Leelanau Sweetglo Watermelon — Seed Saving Guide

About This Variety

Leelanau Sweetglo is a Michigan-bred open-pollinated watermelon, a cross of Orangeglo and Crimson Sweet. Named after Leelanau County in northern Michigan, it produces beautiful yellow-orange flesh that is exceptionally sweet and refreshing. This variety is well-adapted to Michigan's shorter growing season and represents a local breeding success story worth preserving.

How to Save Seeds

Let the fruit get fully ripe on the vine — even slightly overripe is better for seed maturity. The tendril nearest the fruit should be brown and dry.
Cut the watermelon open and enjoy it! While eating, collect the black, mature seeds. White or pale seeds are immature — discard them.
Rinse collected seeds in a colander under running water, removing all flesh and pulp.
Spread seeds in a single layer on a plate or screen. Dry indoors for 1–2 weeks, stirring occasionally.
Once fully dry, store in a labeled envelope or jar in a cool, dry place.

Cross-Pollination

Leelanau Sweetglo will cross with other watermelon varieties (Citrullus lanatus) but will NOT cross with cantaloupes, cucumbers, or squash. These are all different species despite being in the same family.

Will Cross With	Won't Cross With
Tendersweet watermelon	Cantaloupes / muskmelons
Charleston Gray watermelon	Cucumbers
Any other Citrullus lanatus	Squash, pumpkins, luffa

Note: Drew has 2 other watermelon varieties in the garden. They will cross-pollinate with each other via insects. If saving pure seed, either isolate by distance (0.5–1 mile) or hand-pollinate and bag the flowers.

Tip: Save seeds from your best-tasting, truest-to-type fruit. Watermelon seeds are large and easy to handle — one good melon gives you dozens of seeds.