Citrullus lanatus 'Golden Midget' – Compact, Fast-Ripening Golden-Yellow Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus 'Golden Midget' is a unique and beloved watermelon variety known for its compact growth, extremely early ripening, and striking golden-yellow rind. This exceptional watermelon is perfect for small gardens, raised beds, and gardeners who want to grow something special. Thanks to its fast growth cycle and reliable yield, 'Golden Midget' is an absolute favorite for both beginning gardeners and lovers of rare fruits.

Characteristics of Citrullus lanatus 'Golden Midget'

'Golden Midget' is distinguished by its small, manageable fruits, usually weighing 1–3 kg. The melons have a beautiful golden-yellow, evenly colored rind when ripe – hence the name. This color change is also a clear harvest signal, making this variety particularly easy to grow.

The flesh is bright pink to light red, juicy, and sweet with a fresh, classic watermelon flavor. Its compact size and small fruits make this variety particularly suitable for gardeners with limited space.

Growth habit and care

'Golden Midget' is known as one of the fastest-ripening watermelons available. With a growing period of only about 70 days from seed to harvest, this variety is ideal for cooler climates, shorter summers, or gardeners who want to enjoy their own watermelons early in the season.

Growing conditions:

• Position: Full sun, at least 6–8 hours of light per day.

• Soil: Airy, light and well-drained; enrich with compost for optimal growth.

• Water: Water regularly at the base of the plant, especially during fruiting.

• Temperature: Heat-loving plant, thrives best between 22–32 °C.

• Spacing: Although compact, the vines still reach 1–2 metres; sufficient space remains desirable.

The plants are surprisingly hardy and can handle less-than-ideal conditions. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and maintain warmer soil temperatures, which accelerates growth.

Why choose 'Golden Midget'?

This watermelon variety offers several benefits that make it exceptionally popular:

• Extremely early maturing: One of the fastest harvesting watermelons in the world.

• Compact growth: Perfect for urban gardens, balcony greenhouses or raised beds.

• Striking color: The golden-yellow skin is not only decorative, but also a natural ripeness indicator.

• Reliable yield: Even in cooler summers, 'Golden Midget' produces a good harvest.

• Kid-friendly: The small fruits are ideal for families and make harvesting fun and accessible.

Applications and Uses in the Kitchen

The sweet, fresh taste and juicy flesh make 'Golden Midget' ideal for countless summer dishes:

• Freshly cut as a healthy snack.

• Fruit salads with colorful watermelon accents.

• Smoothies and watermelon juice for hot days.

• Cold desserts, such as sorbet or watermelon ice cubes.

Thanks to the smaller fruits, this variety is also perfect for smaller households—a whole melon can easily be eaten in one sitting without any leftovers.

Conclusion

Citrullus lanatus 'Golden Midget' is a small, golden-yellow, and super-fast-ripening watermelon that's perfect for any vegetable garden—from large plots to small urban gardens. Its combination of compact growth, early harvest, and deliciously sweet flesh makes this variety an excellent choice for gardeners seeking ease of use and distinctive flavors. With 'Golden Midget', you'll have a real eye-catcher in the garden and on the table.