Cal Bush Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Sit-RULL-us lan-AH-tus
Edibles: Fruiting Vegetable
Min. Temp
Very Tender: 38°
If planted even with limited space, productivity soars to 2 to 3 fruits per plant. Compact, bushy vines reach only 18-in. but offer enough foliage cover to protect the fruits. Beautiful dark-green-striped watermelon pattern and shape. Picnic-size fruits are a favorite.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
Yellow
Blooming Time
Mid Summer - Late Summer
Habit
Vining
Height
18–36 in
Spread
36–72 in
Form
Slicer
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Edible Parts
Growth Rate
Fast
Tolerance/Resistance
Heat Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
Attracts
Attracts Honeybees & Pollinators
Uses/Placement
Culinary
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Sandy
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
High pH can reduce nutrient uptake
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Heavy Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Rooting & Blooming
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Fruiting
Micronutrients
Magnesium (Mg)
Care
Care Level
Moderate
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Monoecious--pollination required
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Do Not Divide
Fruit and Pollination
Days to Harvest
85 Days
Fruit Size
Large
Fruit Characteristics
Sweet
Ploidy
Diploid
Brix Rating
11 Very Sweet