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Small Shining Light Watermelon

2Reviews
SKU: 0032
$3.95 to $15.75

Item Details

Traditional Russian watermelon introduced to American gardeners by Seed Savers Exchange in 1991. Round 10-12" fruits with a very dark green rind and sweet red flesh. Early maturing variety that is well suited for northerly gardens and high altitudes. Great little icebox melon, holds for several weeks after picking.


  • Conventional
  • Round fruits grow to 10-12 inches
  • Red flesh and dark green-black rind
  • Sweet, holds well in storage
  • Early maturing, good for short seasons
  • This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States.

This variety works for:

  • Fresh eating


Nothing compares to the experience of eating fresh watermelon slices on a warm summer day. Watermelon flesh can also be used for cold soups with citrus or in salads with arugula and feta cheese.


To make a refreshing watermelon granita, or frozen ice, blend 4 cups of watermelon flesh that has been cubed and seeded with 1/4 cup of sugar and juice from half of a lime. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for 1-3 hours. You can then scrape the ice with a fork and serve with mint or basil.


Some people pickle the rinds of watermelons with cider vinegar and pickling spices or with a combination of sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. These pickles are a great addition to appetizer trays at parties.

Growing Instructions

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 8' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting out. Watermelons love heat and prefer sandy or light-textured soils.

  • Direct Seed: 1/2" Deep
  • Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds
  • Thin: To 3-4 Plants
  • Light: Full Sun

Ratings & Reviews

2 reviews

  • 4 stars
  • 0 reviews
  • 3 stars
  • 0 reviews
  • 1 star
  • 0 reviews

Lovely little gem

by

I planted some of my melons rather late this year, so I needed a variety that would mature quickly, and chose this one. So glad I did! The vines are healthy and productive, and the melons are adorable - two people can share one for breakfast or dessert. Our fruits are mostly 6-8 inches in diameter, and very flavorful. We will certainly grow these again next year.

planted these seeds and grew cantaloupes

by

Planted in texas in summer 2023. It was one of the only surviving plants through the scorching heat but turned out to actually be cantaloupes. They didn't taste good enough to eat either, but i could have picked them late.