description Bradford Watermelon Overview
American heirloom watermelon cultivated by the Bradford family of South Carolina since the 1840s, nearly extinct by the 20th century but revived and celebrated for exceptional sweetness.
insights Ranking position
Bradford Watermelon ranks #13 of 173 in the Melon ranking, behind Hami Melon, ahead of Galia.
help Bradford Watermelon FAQ
Why did the Bradford watermelon disappear from commercial farms?
Its thin, tender rind made it poorly suited to stacking and long-distance shipping. Commercial production faded as growers adopted tougher varieties, with the last major crop reportedly planted in the early 1920s.
Who created the Bradford watermelon?
Nathaniel Napoleon Bradford developed it in South Carolina around the 1840s by crossing the Lawson and Mountain Sweet. His descendants preserved the family seed after commercial cultivation ended.
Can the rind of a Bradford watermelon be eaten or preserved?
Yes. Its soft rind was traditionally pickled, while the very sweet juice was boiled into watermelon molasses and sometimes used for brandy.
How was the Bradford watermelon brought back from near extinction?
Members of the Bradford family continued saving and planting the seed in South Carolina. Nat Bradford later worked with food historian David Shields to reintroduce the heirloom to chefs and growers.
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