Which are the best Watermelon seeds in Kenya?

Are you looking to grow the best watermelon variety in Kenya? The solution starts at your seed selection. You will need to plant high-yielding, disease resistant and early maturing watermelon seeds. In this post, we will give you a guide on how to select the perfect watermelon seeds for your farm in order to grow a profitable crop.

In this watermelon seeds selection guide , choose the best among the available varieties list in Kenya. It has the 15 best watermelon seeds in Kenya. They include; Pata negra F1, Augusts F1, Sentinel F1, Fahari F1 and Sugar Baby. Others are Sukari F1, Crimson Sweet, Charleston gray, Asali F1, Anita F1 and Farao F1. Finally, there are Astrakhan, Julie F1, Sweet Rose F1 and Zuri F1. We will analyze the seed’s features such as maturity, disease resistance and yield potential to help you in choosing the best variety for your farm.

How to choose the best watermelon seed variety for your farm

How do you select the best watermelon seeds for your farm? This guide gives you 5 top factors to consider when you are choosing watermelon cultivars to plant in your farm These include yield potential, the fruit qualities such as weight and color and finally, the climate considerations and its tolerance to pest and diseases Below is a summary of these factors on how to decide.

1. Climate suitability – Grow watermelon seeds that thrive in your region’s altitude and climate in terms of temperature and humidity. The climate will also determine your land’s soil type, soil acidity and nutrients.
2. Disease resistance – Choose Disease-resistant watermelon seed varieties that are can withstand common watermelon diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew and fusarium. Apart from being cheaper to produce, such fruits are more high quality and profitable
3. Yield potential – Plant High-yielding watermelon seeds that give you larger fruits in weight per fruit and higher harvests in tons per acre. Besides look at the maturity period. The fast growing watermelons are more profitable.
4. Fruit quality – Choose watermelon seeds that produce fruits with desirable traits such as taste, texture, and color. Another consideration is shelflife allowing you to sell watermelons to far urban markets
5. Seed supplier reputation – Buy from a reputable seed supplier or company to ensure seed quality and authenticity. Besides, you can order seedlings from a certified seed propagator

15 Best Watermelon varieties in Kenya

Below is a table listing the top 15 watermelon seeds in kenya. It compares their maturity period in days from planting to harvesting. The average fruit weight and yields per acre. Other seed qualities are covered below under each seed type.

Watermelon Variety	Maturity period (days)	Yields (ton/acre)	Fruit Weight
Pata negra F1	100-120	46	–
Augusts F1	85-90	–	7-10kgs
Sentinel F1	100-120	50	11-14kgs
Fahari F1	70	30-40	8kgs
Sugar Baby	75	25-30	5-7kgs
Sukari F1	85	30-40	10-12kgs
Crimson Sweet	85-120	–	8-10kgs
Charleston Grey	85	20	8-10kgs
Asali F1	85	40	–
Anita F1	80-85	50-50	8-10kgs
Farao F1	75-85	–	8 kgs
Astrakhan	85-95	–	12-14kgs
Julie F1	80-85	–	8-10kgs
Sweet Rose F1	100	–	10-12 kgs
Zuri F1	–	23-25	12kgs

Pata negra F1

Looking for profitable watermelon farming in Kenya? The Pata negra F1 is a hybrid watermelon variety that is suitable for local and export markets. The variety is high yielding under several ecological zones. It can also withstand various soil types and moisture stress. Its best performance is under dry low humid conditions and minimal rainfall of 650 to 1200mm per annum. In terms of soil requirements, the Pata negra F1 performs does well in fertile well drained soils such as sandy or loam.

It produces green, round-shaped and crispy red-fleshed fruits. They have good taste quality and appearance appeal. The fruits have thick rinds which adds to its shelf life and long distance transportation

Additional Pata Negra F1 Features;

• Humid conditions; 15-20%
• Rainfall; 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 100-120 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 46 tons/ha. (29,900 kg/acre)

Augusta F1

Augusta F1 is an early maturing and high yielding Watermelon variety in Kenya. variety that is Blackish Green with a deep red crispy flesh.

It performs well in dry low humid conditions (15% to 20%) with minimal rainfall (650 to 1200mm per annum). The variety is best suited for growing in well drained and fertile sandy loam soils. The Augusta F1 watermelon is early maturing, taking 85 to 90 days to mature and producing uniform fruit size with average weight of 7 to 10 kg.

The variety can adapt easily to various climates. Augusta F1 is suitable or good for long distance transport. Finally it has very marketable good quality fruits.

• Humid conditions of 15-20%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 85-90 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 11,700 kg/acre
• Fruit Size; 7-10 kgs

Sentinel F1

Sentinel F1 is a zebra type watermelon variety in kenya. It produces fruits that are oblong in shape. It has a deep red juicy crispy sweet flesh. ]

Its best to grow the Sentinel F1 in dry to moderate humid climate areas with a humidity of 30% to 40%. The variety does well in areas with a minimal rainfall of 650 to 1200mm per annum. It is best suited for well drained and fertile loam soils.

Sentinel F1 variety matures in 100-120 days and is high yielding producing uniform fruits weighing on average 11 – 14 kg and has potential yields of 50 tons/acre. It is extremely tolerant to Fusarium wilt and intermediately tolerant to Downy mildew

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 100-120 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 32,500 kg/acre
• Fruit Size; 11-14 kgs

Fahari F1

Fahari F1 is the fastest growing watermelon variety in Kenya. It only takes 70 days to start harvesting after planting. Its fruits are large in size with an oblong to oval shape. The Fahari F1 watermelon has deep red crispy sweet flesh. Besides, its tough, with a thin fruit rind. This makes the variety to have good qualities for long shelf life good keeping quality, and long distance transport.

The Fahari F1 watermelon has a vigourous growth habit. It is suitable for planting in warm open fields with well drained and fertile loam soils. In addition, the variety performs best in dry to moderate humid conditions of 30% to 40%. The minimal rainfall requirement for this watermelon seed is 650 to 1200mm per annum. It has good tolerance to anthracnose and fusarium wilt. Its fruits have an average size of 8kgs and it can yield between 30 – 40 tons/acre.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 70 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 22750 kg/acre
• Fruit Size; 8 kgs

Sugar Baby

Sugar baby is dark green, rounded watermelon variety in Kenya. Its an early maturing type that takes takes 75 days to harvest from planting. The variety performs well in dry moderate humid conditions (30% to 40%) with minimal rainfall (650 to 1200mm per annum). It is best suited for well drained and fertile sandy loam or red alluvial soils.

The Sugar Baby fruit weighs between 5 to 7kg giving yields of between 25 to 30 tons per acre. It is a sweet and fleshy variety which has a hard rind that makes it resistant to insect pests and gives it longer shelf life.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 75 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 25-30 tons/acre
• Fruit Size; 7-5 kgs

Sukari F1

Sukari F1 is the sweetest watermelon variety in Kenya. Its a strong and vigorous growing variety. It produces oblong fruits with green striped skin and very sweet red flesh. Besides, the variety is resistant or tolerant to Fusarium and Anthracnose. The fruit has excellent storage and transportability traits.

It performs well in dry low humid conditions (15% to 20%) with minimal rainfall (750 to 1300mm per annum). This variety is best suited for well drained and fertile loam soils. The variety matures in 85 days after planting, yielding fruits weighing 10 – 12kgs each and yield potential is 30 – 40 tons per acre.

• Humid conditions of15-20%
• Rainfall of 750-1300 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 85 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 30-40 tons/acre
• Fruit Size; 10-12 kgs

Crimson Sweet

Crimson Sweet is a late maturing watermelon variety in Kenya. It takes 85-120 days from planting to start harvesting.

It produces fruits that has a green rind and dark green stripes with a deep red sweet flesh. They are large in size and can weigh between 8-10kgs. This variety is resistant to Anthracnose and Fusarium as well.

• Maturity Period; 85-120 days after planting
• Fruit Size; 8-10 kgs
• Yield Potential; 30 tons/acre

Charleston Grey

The Charleston Grey is an elongated and oblong shaped watermelon variety in Kenya. It’s fruit skin has light green. On the other hand, its striped and has a hard rind. The flesh is sweet, juicy and crunchy.

Charleston Grey watermelon matures in 80 – 85 days after planting. It yields fruits that have an average weight of 8 – 10 kg. It can give you at least 20 tons per acre.

The variety is tolerant to Fusarium and Anthracnose. It is also drought resistant and is able to withstand long transportation.

• Maturity Period; 80-85 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 20 tons/acre
• Fruit Size; 8-10kgs

Asali F1

Asali F1 watermelon is hybrid variety that produces large oblong shaped fruits. They have dark green striped skin rind and very sweet flesh. The fruits have an excellent shelf-life and can withstand long distance transport. The fruit will take around 85 days to fully mature. Asali F1 yield up to 40 tons per acre.

The variety has best performance in slightly dry conditions with a low relative humidity of 20% to 30%. The Asali F1 requires a minimal rainfall of 650 to 900mm p.a. This variety is best suited for well drained and fertile loam soils. It is also resistant/tolerant to Fusarium and Anthracnose fungal diseases.

• Humid conditions of 20-30%
• Rainfall of 650-900 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 85 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 40 tons/acre

Anita F1

Anita F1 is one of the best hybrid watermelon variety in Kenya. It produces an excellent oval to oblong stripped fruit. It has glossy attractive high-quality fruits with deep crimson red flesh. The fruit’s texture is very crispy and sweet. The variety is suitable for growing both indoors and in the open field.

It grows best in dry areas with moderate humid conditions of 30% to 40%. It requires a minimal rainfall of 650 to 1200mm P.a. Well drained and fertile loam soils. Will give the best Anita F1 watermelon fruits. The variety has tolerance to Anthracnose and Fusarium wilt diseases.

Anita F1 will take 80-85 days to mature from planting. It gives an average fruit weight of 8-10kg and a yield of 40 – 50 tons per acre. The fruits have excellent transport quality fit for long distance transportation.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 80-85 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 40-50 tons/acre
• Average fruit weight; 8-10kg

Farao F1

Farao F1 is a hybrid watermelon that produces large elongated blocky shaped fruits. They have a medium-green colour with broad, medium darkgreen stripes. It also has a strong flavor with, dark red flesh texture. It has high sugar contents and its seeds are small and brown. The fruit have medium thick but durable rind suitable for long distance shipping.

Farao F1 watermelom grows best in dry regions with moderate humid conditions of 30% to 40%. It will require a minimal rainfall of 650 to 900mm p.a. The variety needs well drained and fertile loam soils.

It is a medium-early watermelon variety that take 75-85 days to mature. It is a high yielding variety It shows excellent uniformity and fruit set with high interior quality.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-900 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 75-85 days after planting
• Yield Potential; 30-40 tons/acre
• Average fruit weight; 8kg

Astrakhan

Astrakhan watermelon produces oval-shaped (long blocky) fruits. They have a medium thick rind with dark green stripes. The variety has a wonderful, delicious, delicate sweetness. It has small seeds and has red flesh.

The variety perform well in dry moderate areas with humid conditions of 30% to 40%. It has a minimal rainfall requirement of 650 to 1200mm per annum. Astrakhan is best suited for well drained and fertile sandy-loam soils.

The variety is highly resistant to fungal diseases. The variety has medium to large fruits weighing 12 – 14 kg. Astrakhan is medium – early watermelon variety maturing in 85 – 95 days.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 85-90 days after planting
• Average fruit weight; 12-14kg

Julie F1

Julie F1 is a high yielding hybrid watermelon. It performs well in dry areas with moderate humid conditions of 30% to 40%. It will require a minimal rainfall of 650 to 1200mm per annum. The variety ineeds deep, well drained and fertile loam soils due to its extensive growth habit of its roots.

Julie F1 variety produces oblong shaped fruits whose skin has green stripes. It has excellent bright red flesh with good juicy granular texture and sweetness. It is tolerant to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose fungal diseases. It matures in 80-85days. The fruit of this variety weigh 8 -10kg.

• Humid conditions of 30-40%
• Rainfall of 650-1200 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 80-85 days after planting
• Average fruit weight; 8-10kg

Sweet Rose F1

Sweet Rose F1 is oval to round in shape watermelon variety. It shows a vigorous growth habit and has a good adaptability. The variety performs well in dry low humid conditions of 10% to 25%. It needs a minimal rainfall of 650 to 850mm per annum. Sweet Rose F1 variety is best suited for well drained and fertile loam soils with a neutral pH.

It can be harvested in 100 days after planting. It has fruits weighing between 10 and 12kgs. The fruits can resist sunburns. The flesh is deep crimson red in colour with good texture. It has a good shelf life.

• Humid conditions of 10-25%

• Rainfall of 650-850 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 100 days after planting
• Average fruit weight; 10-12 kg

Zuri F1

Zuri F1 variety of watermelon has fruits that have a strong rind and are dark green in colour. Its average weigh as much as 12 kg.

It performs well in dry and very low humid conditions (10% to 15%) with minimal rainfall (450 to 750mm per annum). This variety is best suited for well drained and fertile sandy loam soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH.

The variety is also resistant to strains of Fusarium wilt. The variety has the potential to yield 23 to 25 tons/acre.

• Humid conditions of 10-15%
• Rainfall of 450-750 mm p.a
• Maturity Period; 100 days after planting
• Average fruit weight; 12 kg
• Yield potential; 23 -25 tons/acre.

Conclusion

watermelon farming in Kenya offers a great opportunity for farmers to reap good returns. By selecting the right seed variety, farmers can ensure a successful harvest and marketable yield. The choice of seed variety should be guided by factors such as climate suitability, disease resistance, yield potential, fruit quality, and the reputation of the seed supplier. The watermelon seed varieties listed above are some of the popular options that farmers in Kenya can consider. Ultimately, the success of a watermelon farm will depend on the farmer’s dedication, hard work, and ability to make informed decisions throughout the farming process.