Citrullus lanatus 'Yellow Doll'
fruitYellow Doll is a compact icebox hybrid watermelon producing small 5 to 10 lb fruits with light green rind, narrow dark green stripes, and intensely sweet crisp yellow flesh. Yellow Doll is one of the fastest-growing watermelons at just 65 to 75 days, making it perfect for short-season gardens and small spaces (single-serving size, even).
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~70 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
4-6 ft between hills, 6-8 ft between rows
Planting Depth
1 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 11
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Pre-plant; side-dress before vines run, again at bloom
Fertilizer
10-10-10 at planting; nitrogen side-dress (34-0-0)
Direct-sow after the soil reaches 70F and all frost danger has passed (or start indoors 3 weeks ahead). Plant 1 in deep, 3 to 4 seeds per hill with hills 4 to 6 ft apart in rows 6 to 8 ft apart. The compact vines need less space than full-size watermelons. Black plastic mulch warms cool-zone soils. Side-dress before vines run; back off water as harvest nears to concentrate sugars.
Start seeds indoors
Mar 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 8
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover until female flowers open; the beetles vector bacterial wilt
Wrap stems with foil collars near the soil
Rotate cucurbits for 3 years; choose resistant rootstocks where available
Water at the base, prune for airflow
Yellow Doll is ready 65 to 75 days from sowing, the fastest of any watermelon. Check ripeness by these classic signs: the underside ground spot turns creamy yellow, the tendril nearest the fruit dries up, and the surface shifts from glossy to dull. The thump test produces a hollow rather than tight sound. Cut stems with pruners (do not pull) and refrigerate after cutting; whole melons keep 1 to 2 weeks.
About 30 calories per 100 g with 0.4 g fiber, 8.1 mg vitamin C, and 112 mg potassium. Yellow watermelon lacks the lycopene of red varieties (lycopene is the red pigment) but supplies beta-carotene instead. Both red and yellow watermelons are 92 percent water, making them one of the most hydrating summer foods.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.