Botanical Interests
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Product Details
Product Details
You'll have lots of thick slices for those late summer barbecues and picnics! This open-pollinated melon, developed by renowned watermelon breeder Charles Andrus, of the USDA in Charleston, SC, was the first to be resistant to both Fusarium wilt and anthracnose disease. Greenish-gray rind protects melon from sunburn. It is still affectionately called "that gray melon from Charleston". Fruits average 22"–26" long and 25–35 pounds.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 85–100 days
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Type: Watermelon (Learn more)
Native: Africa
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 6'–10' vines
Variety Info: 22"–26" long, 10" wide, oblong fruit that is greenish-gray, and weighs 25–35 pounds. Interior is bright red. 'Charleston Gray' produces 1–2, 20–25 pound fruit per plant with brilliant red, crisp, very sweet interior. Disease resistant to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.
Attributes: Fusarium Wilt Resistant, Anthracnose Resistant, Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Transplant when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Sprouts in: 5–10 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): ½"
Space Seeds: 2–3 seeds per mound
Row Spacing: 4'–6' apart
Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per mound
Growing Info
Harvesting: It can be tricky to know exactly when a watermelon is ripe and ready to pick. First, know the number of "days to harvest" and begin checking fruits as harvest date draws closer. Signs to look for are: (1) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color; (2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; (3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the touch; and (4) light green, curly tendril on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon is brown and dry. All of these indicators may not necessarily occur at the same time.
- Cindy N.KS, United StatesVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 starsAug 15, 2026Good melon
I waited too long on the first melon in strong sunlight, seeds had started to germinate inside, still was flavorful enough to deseed and use in a hydration smoothie. I had one hanging out of my raised bed resting on the ground and the resting end started to rot. I picked it and it was well ripened with a enjoyable delicately sweet flavor. I have 4 more in various stages, setting on to almost ready to pick. If I had picked the first one cooking in the sun (100 degree days) sooner I'm sure it would have been better. I havent learned all the ins and outs of harvesting but I will plant more of these next year and keep trying, and pay more attention to when I planted to use 'date to harvest' info more effectively.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised BedEGEpic GardeningAug 17, 2026Hey Cindy,
We're so happy to hear that your Charleston Gray Watermelons have been such a great success! It's awesome that you got to enjoy that delicately sweet flavor, and we love that you're already planning to plant more next year. It sounds like you're learning so much about the harvest timing with each melon, and that's exactly the kind of growing experience we love to see. Thanks so much for being part of the growing community! Keep on growing 🌻
- David K.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 1, 2026Charleston Gray!!!
I remember when my grandfather used to bring these to the family Forth of July gatherings as a child. I was so excited to see them available. By the way I live in Charleston SC so it checks all the boxes for me.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerEGEpic GardeningJul 3, 2026Hey David,
We're absolutely thrilled to hear about the special connection you have with Charleston Gray Watermelons! There's something so beautiful about growing the same varieties that bring back those cherished family memories from Fourth of July gatherings with your grandfather. And how perfect that you're growing them right there in Charleston SC - it really doesn't get more authentic than that! We have a feeling this is going to be an amazing and meaningful growing experience for you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful watermelon memories with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Jacob N.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsOct 31, 20235 Stars
The water melon germinated extremely fast to germinate and is currently in a 3 gal grow bag.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Jaime G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 starsAug 12, 2026Not sure if I should blame the seed but I did not have good luck with these.
I planted them in 2 locations. One in a field with full sun and another in a garden which had morning shade. neither place did well. They are still these little 8 inch plants. I guess I'm just disappointed. We did have plenty of rain this year so I'm not sure what happened. I may try again next year.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningAug 17, 2026Hey Jaime
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Lillian G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 starsJul 19, 2026Didn’t grow much
The watermelon were around like a little soccer ball and they never really got bigger than that.
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerEGEpic GardeningJul 21, 2026Hey Lillian,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts in a review. I've reached out to you via email to offer assistance. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to ensuring your experience is positive. Thank you once again for your input. Keep on growing 🌻️
