Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits in India, loved for its high water content, refreshing taste, and nutritional benefits. It is grown extensively in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in hot and dry conditions, making it ideal for cultivation in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
Watermelon is a profitable crop due to its short growth cycle, high market demand, and adaptability to open fields and controlled environments like polyhouses. Farmers in India grow different varieties of watermelons, including open-pollinated varieties, hybrids, and seedless types, to meet consumer preferences for taste, color, and texture.
In this article, we highlight the top watermelon varieties in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and uses.
1. Sugar Baby
Sugar Baby is one of the most popular and widely grown early-maturing watermelon varieties in India. Known for its sweet, juicy flesh and compact size, it is a favorite among consumers.
- Fruit Color: Dark green skin with deep red flesh
- Weight: 3–5 kg
- Maturity: 75–80 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: High sugar content, round shape, early harvest
2. Arka Manik
Arka Manik is an open-pollinated variety developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR). It is known for its high yield and disease resistance.
- Fruit Color: Green-striped skin with red flesh
- Weight: 5–7 kg
- Maturity: 90–95 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Firm flesh, high yield, excellent sweetness
3. Kiran
Kiran is a small to medium-sized hybrid variety that is extremely sweet and suitable for table consumption. Its uniform size and vibrant color make it a preferred choice for markets.
- Fruit Color: Dark green skin with deep red flesh
- Weight: 2–4 kg
- Maturity: 70–75 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal
- Characteristics: Early maturing, uniform shape, high market demand
4. Madhuri 64
Madhuri 64 is a high-yielding hybrid watermelon variety. It is ideal for commercial cultivation due to its attractive appearance and sweet taste.
- Fruit Color: Dark green with bright red flesh
- Weight: 6–8 kg
- Maturity: 85–90 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics: High sugar content, firm flesh, good transportability
5. Asahi Yamato
Asahi Yamato is a popular open-pollinated variety known for its crisp texture and excellent flavor. It is a highly productive variety suited for warm regions.
- Fruit Color: Light green skin with dark green stripes and red flesh
- Weight: 4–6 kg
- Maturity: 80–85 days
- Regions: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Characteristics: High yield, sweet and crisp flesh
6. Namdhari 65
Namdhari 65 is a popular hybrid watermelon variety cultivated for its high yield and adaptability. It produces large, sweet watermelons with excellent transport qualities.
- Fruit Color: Green-striped skin with deep red flesh
- Weight: 6–9 kg
- Maturity: 80–85 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
- Characteristics: High sugar content, disease resistance
7. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a widely grown watermelon variety known for its thick rind and high sugar content. It is well-suited for long-distance transportation.
- Fruit Color: Dark green (almost black) skin with red flesh
- Weight: 5–8 kg
- Maturity: 85–90 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Characteristics: High yield, excellent storage quality, firm flesh
8. Crimson Sweet
Crimson Sweet is an internationally popular watermelon variety known for its juicy, sweet flesh and high yield. It is widely grown in India due to its disease resistance.
- Fruit Color: Light green skin with dark green stripes
- Weight: 8–10 kg
- Maturity: 85–90 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat
- Characteristics: High sugar content, disease-resistant, large size
9. Seedless Watermelon
Seedless watermelons are gaining popularity in India for their convenience and crisp texture. They are hybrids produced through controlled cultivation methods.
- Fruit Color: Green skin with deep red flesh
- Weight: 3–5 kg
- Maturity: 85–90 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: Sweet, crunchy, no seeds
10. Arka Jyoti
Arka Jyoti is an improved variety developed by IIHR for its high yield and sweetness. It performs well under both tropical and subtropical climates.
- Fruit Color: Green-striped skin with red flesh
- Weight: 5–6 kg
- Maturity: 80–85 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics: High productivity, sweet taste, firm texture
11. Durgapura Kesar
Durgapura Kesar is a traditional variety that thrives in hot and dry climates. It is prized for its sweet flavor and excellent quality.
- Fruit Color: Green with yellowish stripes and red flesh
- Weight: 4–5 kg
- Maturity: 75–80 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Characteristics: Heat-tolerant, sweet, good transport quality
12. Charleston Gray
Charleston Gray is a high-yielding variety known for its large fruits and firm texture. It is ideal for commercial cultivation due to its long shelf life.
- Fruit Color: Light green skin with red flesh
- Weight: 10–12 kg
- Maturity: 85–95 days
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra
- Characteristics: Large size, firm flesh, disease resistance
India’s diverse climate allows the cultivation of numerous watermelon varieties, each with unique qualities and flavors. From early-maturing types like Sugar Baby to high-yield hybrids like Arka Manik and seedless varieties, watermelons continue to dominate summer markets across the country. With their growing popularity, farmers and agribusinesses can benefit greatly from cultivating these top varieties to meet increasing consumer demand.
FAQs
Q1: Which watermelon variety is best for commercial cultivation in India?
A: Varieties like Sugar Baby, Arka Manik, and Crimson Sweet are best for commercial cultivation due to their high yield and market demand.
Q2: What is the most popular seedless watermelon variety in India?
A: Seedless Watermelon hybrids like those developed by private seed companies are becoming increasingly popular.
Q3: Which variety of watermelon has the sweetest flesh?
A: Sugar Baby and Crimson Sweet are known for their sweet and juicy flesh.
Q4: Which variety is best suited for hot and dry climates?
A: Durgapura Kesar and Black Diamond perform well in hot and dry climates.
Q5: How long does it take to harvest watermelons?
A: Most watermelon varieties mature within 75–95 days after sowing, depending on the variety.
