Watermelon Charleston Gray
Citrullus lanatus 'Charleston Gray'
A legendary heirloom watermelon from 1954 that produces massive, elongated fruits perfect for feeding crowds at summer gatherings. This variety is prized for its exceptional disease resistance, long storage life, and sweet red flesh that stays crisp even in hot weather. Charleston Gray's distinctive gray-green color and reliable 25+ pound fruits make it a favorite for serious watermelon growers.
Harvest
85-95d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–11
USDA hardiness
Height
4-8 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Watermelon Charleston Gray in USDA Zone 7
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Watermelon Charleston Gray · Zones 5–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May – May | June – July | June – August | October – October |
| Zone 4 | April – May | June – June | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | April – April | May – June | May – July | September – October |
| Zone 6 | April – April | May – June | May – July | September – October |
| Zone 7 | March – April | May – May | May – June | August – October |
| Zone 8 | March – March | April – May | April – June | August – September |
| Zone 9 | February – February | March – April | March – May | July – August |
| Zone 10 | January – February | March – March | March – April | June – August |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: #yellow flowers#showy fruits#vegetable garden#edible fruits#edible garden#fruits summer#vine#warm season vegetable#edible#annual#early childhood#child#children#preschool#early care#easy edibles#hortcontest. Soil: Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: SIT-troo-lus la-NAY-tus. Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The plant produces melons which are large modified berries called a pepo. They are rounded to oval mottled green with darker green rind. Black, cream or mottled colored elliptic seeds. Flesh general red or pink but can also be yellowish.
Color: Green. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled. The rind is edible after cooking.
Storage & Preservation
Whole Charleston Gray watermelons excel in storage, lasting 2-3 weeks at room temperature or up to 3 months in cool (50-60°F), well-ventilated conditions like a basement or garage. Avoid refrigeration of whole melons, which breaks down cell structure and creates mealy texture. Once cut, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week.
For preservation, cube the flesh and freeze in single layers on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags—frozen watermelon works perfectly for smoothies and agua frescas. Create watermelon juice and can using tested recipes, or dehydrate thin slices at 135°F for 12-18 hours to make chewy fruit leather. The thick rind pickles beautifully using traditional cucumber pickle recipes, extending your harvest's usefulness significantly.
History & Origin
Charleston Gray emerged from the United States Department of Agriculture's breeding program in 1954, developed specifically to address the commercial watermelon industry's need for disease-resistant, shipping-friendly varieties. Dr. C.F. Andrus at the USDA's Charleston, South Carolina research station created this variety by crossing several parent lines, including the heirloom variety 'Iowa Belle' and other disease-resistant selections.
Named for both its birthplace and distinctive gray-green coloration, Charleston Gray quickly became the standard commercial watermelon throughout the Southeast and beyond. Its exceptional resistance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt—devastating diseases that plagued earlier varieties—revolutionized watermelon production. While modern hybrids have largely replaced it in commercial fields, Charleston Gray maintains its reputation among home gardeners and farmers market growers who prize its reliable production, excellent storage qualities, and old-fashioned sweet flavor that defined summer for generations of Americans.
Advantages
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Edible: The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled. The rind is edible after cooking.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs, deters aphids
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and cucumber beetles with strong scent
Radishes
Deter cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, loosen soil
Corn
Provides natural trellis and wind protection for sprawling vines
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for ground space
Catnip
Repels ants, aphids, and cucumber beetles effectively
Oregano
Deters pests and may enhance fruit flavor through companion effects
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and provide shade during hottest part of day
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits melon growth and development
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most cucurbits including watermelons
Potatoes
Compete for nutrients and may harbor similar pests like cucumber beetles
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167765)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt
Common Pests
Cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial fruit blotch, gummy stem blight