Watermelon Black Diamond is a classic open-pollinated heirloom with large, round fruit, a dark green to nearly black rind, and sweet, crisp, deep crimson flesh. Melons may reach approximately 30 to 50 pounds under favorable conditions. Give its vigorous vines full sun, warm weather, fertile soil, and plenty of room to spread. Each packet contains 50 non-GMO, heirloom seeds for planting.

Why Choose Watermelon Black Diamond?

• Classic summer flavor: Enjoy sweet, refreshing red flesh for slices, salads, and chilled drinks.
• Large fruit: Well-grown plants can produce substantial melons for family meals and gatherings; size varies with conditions.
• Distinctive dark rind: The dark green exterior gives this traditional variety its recognizable appearance.
• Open-pollinated heirloom: Save seed from healthy, properly isolated plants when maintaining variety identity.
• 50 seeds per packet: Plan your watermelon patch with the current 50-seed packet.
• Non-GMO seeds: A choice for gardeners seeking non-GMO fruit seed.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to plant: Direct sow after frost danger has passed and soil is thoroughly warm, preferably around 70°F or warmer. Allow a long, warm growing season; maturity depends on local conditions.
• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily.
• Soil: Choose fertile, well-drained soil around pH 6.0 to 7.0 and incorporate compost before planting.
• Sowing: Sow about 1 inch deep. In short-season areas, start in individual containers a few weeks before transplanting and avoid disturbing roots.
• Space: Leave several feet between planting sites and generous room between rows for vigorous vines. Follow packet guidance and avoid crowding this large-fruited variety.
• Watering: Maintain even moisture during establishment and fruit development. Water at the base and avoid waterlogging; do not deliberately wilt plants to increase sweetness.
• Fertilizing: Follow soil-test recommendations and fertilizer label directions. Excess nitrogen can encourage vine growth rather than fruit.
• Support: Grow large fruit on the ground rather than a lightweight trellis. Keep fruit on a clean, dry surface when practical.
• Pollination: Encourage bee visits during flowering. Avoid unnecessary pesticide exposure; hand-pollinate fresh flowers when pollinator activity is inadequate.
• Harvest: Check several signs together, including a drying tendril near the fruit, a creamy yellow ground spot, and a duller rind. Cut from the vine rather than pulling. Watermelon does not become sweeter after harvest.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh slices: Chill ripe watermelon and serve in wedges for a refreshing summer treat.
• Fruit salads: Combine cubes with cucumber, berries, citrus, or fresh herbs.
• Drinks: Remove seeds and blend into agua fresca, smoothies, or watermelon coolers.
• Salsas: Mix small cubes with cucumber, lime, onion, and a little chili for a fresh topping.
• Grilling: Briefly grill thick wedges for a warm, savory variation; avoid overcooking the juicy flesh.

Order Watermelon Black Diamond Seeds Today

Grow a classic heirloom watermelon with sweet red flesh, a striking dark rind, and generous garden presence.

Nutritional Information

Existing listing reference per 1 cup (approximately 152 g) diced harvested watermelon, not planting seeds. These are general watermelon figures, not a Black Diamond-specific laboratory analysis.

• Calories: 46
• Total Fat: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 11.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g
• Total Sugars: 9.4 g
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Vitamin C: 12.3 mg (14% Daily Value)
• Vitamin A: 43 mcg RAE (5% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 170 mg (4% Daily Value)

% Daily Value describes a nutrient's contribution to a daily diet. Nutrition varies with maturity, serving size, and preparation; added ingredients change finished-dish values.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Fruit size, flavor, color, maturity, and yield vary with climate, soil, pollination, and care.
• Seed Storage: Store planting seeds cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Planting Zones: Watermelon is a warm-season crop. Follow local frost dates and allow sufficient warm weather for full fruit maturity.
• Food Safety: Recipes use harvested produce, not planting seeds. Wash and scrub the rind before cutting to reduce transfer of surface contamination to the flesh. Refrigerate cut melon promptly.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.

Garden Recipe: Black Diamond Watermelon-Cucumber Mint Salad

Pair sweet, crisp Black Diamond watermelon with cucumber, mint, and lime for a refreshing side dish. Use harvested fruit and vegetables, never seeds from the planting packet.

Serves: 4 to 6. Prep: 15 minutes. Chill: 15 minutes, optional. Cooking: None.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chilled harvested Black Diamond watermelon, cut into bite-size cubes with hard seeds removed
• 1 medium cucumber, washed and diced
• ¼ cup very thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons torn fresh mint leaves, washed
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• A small pinch of black pepper, optional

Directions

1. Wash your hands and use clean utensils and a clean cutting board. Scrub the whole watermelon rind under running water before cutting, even though the rind will not be eaten.
2. Cut and measure 4 cups watermelon cubes, removing hard seeds. Place in a large bowl with the cucumber and red onion.
3. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and optional black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Fold in mint just before serving.
5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Stir gently before serving, leaving excess liquid in the bowl if desired.

Options and Storage

• Cheese option: Add ¼ cup crumbled feta just before serving, if desired.
• Herb variation: Substitute fresh basil for mint.
• Make ahead: Prepare ingredients separately and keep refrigerated, then combine shortly before serving for the crispest texture.
• Leftovers: Refrigerate promptly in a covered container and use within 2 days for best texture. Discard salad left out longer than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F.

Growing a Doomsday Garden by David Schulze