Georgia, Florida, Texas, California and Arizona are the United States’ largest watermelon producers, with Florida producing more watermelon than any other state. This now-common fruit is often large enough that groceries often sell half or quarter melons.
What states produce watermelons?
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 are the top 5 states that produce watermelon?
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.
Where is the best watermelon in the US?
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Summer means relaxing by the pool, barbeques and refreshing slices of watermelon and no one produces more of this favorite summertime fruit than Florida. The Sunshine State is the top producer of watermelon in the United States.
Is watermelon available in USA?
Watermelons are grown across the United States. The top four states are Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California producing 69% of all grown in United States. In terms of production, watermelon is one of the three top crops produced in the United States, along with onions and head lettuce.
What state is famous for watermelon?
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.
What is the watermelon capital of the world?
Cordele
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.
Do watermelons grow in Alaska?
Cool years can be a total bust. University of Alaska Fairbanks horticulture professor Meriam Karlsson said watermelon is a challenging crop to grow in Alaska. It requires a warm, long growing season — two things Alaska summers rarely have.
Why are watermelons so expensive?
Prices are set to spike following significant crop losses. Growers are unable to use heavy machinery due to the saturated ground. The group Melons Australia says more support is needed for growers hit by disaster.
Where do watermelons grow naturally?
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.
What city produces the most watermelons?
BEARDSTOWN, ILLINOIS – While other towns call themselves the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” Beardstown only calls itself the “Watermelon Capital.” And for good reason: The town is one of the most prolific watermelon-growers in the state.
Where is the sweetest watermelon in the world?
Cave City melons are not only Arkansas famous, but world famous as the town sign reads “home of the world’s sweetest watermelon.” Locals from the town of 2,000 will tell you the secret is in the soil, not just in the seeds!
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.
What is the watermelon season in Georgia?
According to a news release, while Georgia has had a relatively cool spring, consumers should still start seeing Georgia Grown watermelons in stores the first week of June. The Georgia season typically peaks around June 20.
What month is watermelon season?
The very peak of the season is July and August. Grocery stores sell watermelons, mainly red seedless, year-round. Off-season watermelons mostly come from Mexico and Central America.
Where do watermelons grow year-round?
One-third of the watermelon supply in the U.S. is imported from Central American countries, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico. This ensures the fruit’s year-round availability. In Mexico, the watermelon (“sandía” in Spanish), is one of the most beloved every day fruits.
Where is the best place to grow watermelons?
Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. They can struggle in soil that contains too much clay and doesn’t drain well. Watermelons prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 (“slightly acidic to neutral”). Watermelons need A LOT of space—up to 20 square feet per plant.
Who produces the most watermelon?
China
By countries, the main producer is China, meaning 60% of the total production. It is followed by Turkey, Iran, the United States and Egypt. The following table shows the 10 countries with larger watermelon cultivation.
What country consumes the most watermelon?
China
China consumed over 70 million tons of watermelon last year, with the per capita watermelon consumption exceeding 50 kilograms (kg), as indicated by the FAO figures.
Where did watermelon originally come from?
Scientists agree that the watermelon’s progenitor—the ur-watermelon, if you will—was cultivated in Africa before spreading north into Mediterranean countries and, later, to other parts of Europe.
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.
