Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012. Florida and three other States—Georgia, California, and Texas—accounted for two-thirds of U.S. output in 2012.
Where do watermelons grow best?
They grow best when daytime temperatures fall between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures fall between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can thrive in both humid and semi-arid environments, but may develop fungal foliage diseases in humid areas more frequently than in dry areas.
What are the top 5 watermelon producing states?
While watermelons are grown across the U.S., most production occurs in the top five states (Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, and Texas), producing approximately 69 percent of all grown in the U.S. The average watermelon yield per acre in the U.S in 2020 was 39,704 pounds.
What state is the watermelon Capital of the World?
Georgia
Cordele, also known as “The Watermelon Capital of the World”, is a city in Crisp County, Georgia, United States. The population was 11,608 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Crisp County. Cordele is located along Interstate 75, 140 miles south of Atlanta and 100 mile north of the Florida state line.
Can I grow watermelon in Chicago?
Melons can be difficult for some growers in the Chicago area since they demand warm soil and long baking days in full sun. ‘Sungold’ is a 5- to 7-pound casaba melon well-suited to Northern gardens’ shorter growing season.
What temperature do watermelons like?
Watermelons are sensitive to cold temperatures, and even a mild frost can severely injure the crop. The best average temperature range for watermelon production during the growing season is between 65°F and 95°F. Temperatures above 95°F or below 50°F will slow the growth and maturation of the crop.
What’s the sweetest watermelon?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you’ll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
Where is world’s largest watermelon farm?
GREEN RIVER, UTAH – The tiny town of Green River (population 929) may not be big, but it is home to the “World’s Largest Watermelon.” The old wooden wedge is kept in storage in a hangar in the Green River Airfield and makes appearances at events like Green River’s annual Melon Days Festival.
Where are most watermelons grown in the US?
Nearly 80 percent of all U.S. watermelon production hails from four States—Florida, Georgia, Texas and California. Florida surpasses all other States as the main supplier of U.S. watermelons, accounting for total production of 907 million pounds, or 25 percent of domestic supplies in 2019.
What is the largest watermelon ever grown?
“The Guinness Book of World Records” reports the largest watermelon ever grown to be one of ten giant fruit harvested in 1990 in Arrington, Tennessee, by Mr. Bill Carson and weighing 262 pounds (118.7 kg).
Is Arkansas known for watermelon?
In Arkansas, we have more than 200 farms harvesting more than 1,500 acres of watermelons. Crops are valued at more than $5 million. The city of Hope annually celebrates its claim as the home of the world’s largest watermelons with a yearly watermelon festival.
Are watermelons in season in Florida?
Watermelon. Florida is a leading producer of watermelon, and this summertime favorite is on the Florida crop harvest calendar from April through July. Cantaloupe. In the same melon family as watermelon, cantaloupe from Florida farms is available from April through June.
Can watermelon grow in NY?
Heat-loving watermelons can be a challenge to grow in cooler regions of New York. To increase success, choose short-season varieties, start them inside, warm soil with black plastic or IRT mulch, and protect young plants with fabric row covers.
Can watermelons grow in Ohio?
Planting watermelons
Watermelons prefer to be grown in a sandy loam soil; however, not all parts of the country have ideal soil conditions. In Ohio, a lot of areas are clay heavy. This is why raised beds or raised planting rows are frequently used for growing watermelons.
Do watermelons grow in Michigan?
Weeds can be controlled by shallow hoeing or by applying a layer of mulch to the soil. The state of Michigan has a watermelon season that lasts from June through August.
What is the lifespan of watermelon plant?
How many watermelons per plant? About 2 to 3 melons can be obtained per plant in its single lifespan of 3-4 months. Usually, gardeners purposely keep only one watermelon per plant to harvest big sized fruits.
What month are watermelons harvested?
Watermelon season runs throughout the summer (May to September). The exact months may vary depending on where you live. The geographical area plays a big role in determining the watermelon season.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
Sweetness Starts in the Soil
To encourage strong growth, blend 4 to 6 inches of composted manure into your melon beds prior to planting. Then add a balanced organic fertilizer (such as a mixed blood meal/bone meal product) every 3 to 4 weeks.
Is green watermelon real?
Some watermelon types have higher sugar content and are sweeter; and some varieties have different colored rind and flesh. Most of us are familiar with the oblong, dark green watermelon with vibrant, ruby red pulp, but melons may also be light pink, yellow, and even orange.
Can you grow watermelon in Florida?
While it’s generally considered a summer fruit, growers in Florida are lucky enough to be able to plant watermelon for harvest in the winter as well. In fact, Florida is the only state in the country that produces watermelon from December to April.
Where are watermelons native to?
Africa
Background and Aims Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times. The fruit flesh of wild watermelons is watery, but typically hard-textured, pale-coloured and bland or bitter. The familiar sweet dessert watermelons, C.
