Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) 'Thora' – Sweet, Compact Mini Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus 'Thora' is a high-quality mini watermelon popular with home gardeners for its compact growth, early ripening, and juicy, sweet fruit. This variety is ideal for gardeners with limited space, for greenhouses or pots, yet still delivers a full watermelon flavor. 'Thora' combines reliable yields, uniform fruit, and intense sweetness, making it an excellent choice for both small vegetable gardens and larger cultivation projects.

Characteristics of 'Torah'

'Thora' produces small, round to slightly oval watermelons weighing 2–4 kg, ideal for individual portions or small families. The rind is dark green with subtle lighter stripes, firm and protective, making the fruit easy to store.

The flesh is deep red, juicy, and exceptionally sweet, with a high Brix level that guarantees an intense flavor experience. The texture is fine and almost fiber-free, perfect for slices, cubes, or summer desserts. The seeds are sparse, making them easy to eat, especially for children.

Growth habit and cultivation

'Thora' is a compact, vigorous variety, suitable for gardens with limited space, pots, and greenhouses. It ripens early and produces reliable fruit, even in shorter summers or cooler climates.

Optimal growing conditions:

• Location: full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct light

• Soil: airy, humus-rich and well-drained

• Water: regularly, especially during fruit development; water directly at the roots

• Temperature: Optimal growth at 24–32 °C

• Planting distance: 80–100 cm for compact growth

Mulching or black sheeting increases soil temperature and helps retain moisture, which promotes early growth and sugar buildup in the fruit flesh. Additional nutrients, particularly potassium during fruit set, encourage larger, juicier, and sweeter fruits.

Benefits of 'Torah'

This mini watermelon offers several advantages for gardeners and hobby growers:

• Compact growth
  Perfect for small gardens, greenhouses or pots.

• Early maturing and productive
  Quick harvest and reliable yield, even in shorter summers.

• Deep red, juicy flesh.
  Exceptionally sweet with a fine texture and low fiber.

• Few seeds
  Easy and fun to eat for children and adults.

• Tough skin
  Protects the fruit and facilitates transport and storage.

• Versatile in use
  Ideal for slices, cubes, smoothies, juices and desserts.

Culinary applications

The juicy and sweet flesh of 'Thora' can be used in various ways:

• Fresh food as a summer snack

• Fruit salads and bowls for color and taste

• Smoothies and juices for natural sweetness

• Desserts, such as sorbets, watermelon ice cream or fruit bowls

• Savory dishes, for example watermelon-feta or watermelon-mint salad

Thanks to its firm texture, the flesh remains intact when cut and processed, making the melon also suitable for presentation or catering.

Conclusion

Citrullus lanatus 'Thora' is an early-ripening, compact, and juicy mini watermelon with deep-red, sweet flesh and a reliable yield. Its combination of compact growth, intense sweetness, and ease of use make this variety perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. For anyone looking to grow a manageable, tasty, and attractive watermelon, 'Thora' is an excellent choice.