Early Watermelons in Estonia: Which Varieties to Choose and How to Achieve a Good Harvest

Watermelons in Estonia: Best Early Varieties and Proven Growing Methods

Do you want to enjoy aromatic and sweet watermelon straight from your garden, but doubt it's possible in a cool climate? In fact, growing watermelons in Estonia is quite realistic if you choose the right varieties and take the specifics of the local summer into account. In this article, we will look at the most reliable early varieties — Sugar Baby, and the bright Janosik, and discuss the conditions they require.

You will learn why varieties like Charleston Gray are better left for the greenhouse, how to properly prepare seedlings, and the advantages of using "black plastic mulch" on your beds. This review is a practical guide to seed selection and agrotechnology for northern regions.

Introduction: Watermelons in the North are Possible

Until recently, it seemed that watermelons could only be grown in southern countries where summers are hot and sunny. But modern breeding developments and the appearance of ultra-early hybrids have radically changed the situation. Today, watermelons grow successfully even in Estonia and the Baltic states.

We analyze varieties such as Sugar Baby, Janosik, Crimson Sweet, Charleston Gray, and Orangeglo in detail — and compare their performance with the real climate conditions of northern latitudes.

Estonian Climate: What Can Hinder Watermelon Growing?

Soil Temperature

Watermelon roots are sensitive to cold: the plant receives full nutrition only when the soil temperature is at least 15–16°C. If the ground is colder, growth slows down. In Estonia, the soil warms up to the optimal 18–20°C only by mid-June, so sowing seeds directly into the garden bed is pointless — seedlings are necessary.

Long Daylight Hours

Summer days in Estonia are long — up to 19 hours of sunlight. This helps compensate for the lack of heat and boosts photosynthesis. But if night temperatures drop below 10°C, the watermelon experiences stress, which stunts development.

Humidity and Diseases

By the end of summer, the risk of fungal diseases increases, especially fusarium and anthracnose. Therefore, it is important to choose resistant or hybrid varieties.

Best Early Watermelon Varieties for Estonia

Below we answer important questions:

What are early watermelon hybrids? — These are F1 lines that grow faster and resist diseases better.
Which variety is considered the earliest? — Undoubtedly, Sugar Baby.
Which varieties show the best results in Estonia? — Sugar Baby, Janosik.

Sugar Baby — Compact and Reliable

Buy Sugar Baby seeds

A popular variety grown since the middle of the last century.
Fruits: 3–5 kg, round, dark green.
Maturity: 80–90 days.
Advantages: small plant size, tough rind, well suited for greenhouses and temporary shelters.

Janosik — Bright Yellow Flesh and Reliable Yield

Buy Janosik seeds

Polish selection variety, perfectly suited for cool regions.
Fruits: weight 3.5–5.5 kg.
Feature: deep yellow flesh with a honey taste.
Maturity: 85–95 days.
Pros: good cold tolerance and stable yield.

Megacrimson H and Crimson Sweet — Tasty but Late

Buy Megacrimson H seeds

Buy Crimson Sweet seeds

Both varieties are known for their excellent crisp flesh and large fruits. However, a ripening period of 95–105+ days makes them risky for open ground. Recommended for greenhouses and warm beds.

Charleston Gray — Large-Fruited Southerner

Buy Charleston Gray seeds

Old American variety with elongated fruits.
Weight: up to 15 kg.
Maturity: over 110 days.
Requires a warm greenhouse — too late for open ground.