Sun + bees + well-drained sandy soil + water are what’s needed to grow watermelon. For commercial production, watermelon nursery stock is transplanted in rows, 8 to 12 feet apart, in raised beds, 4 to 12 inches high. Irrigation is carefully managed through the growth cycle to optimize fruit set, fruit size and yield.
How are watermelons farmed?
There are 3 methods to grow watermelons: Growing from seed, growing from non-grafted seedlings and growing from grafted seedlings.
Where is watermelon grown commercially?
According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California are the most prominent states for commercial watermelon producing.
How are watermelons grown and harvested?
Watermelon Quick Growing Tips
- Sow watermelon seeds in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring.
- Start watermelon seeds indoors about 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden.
- Watermelons require 65 to 90 frost-free days to reach harvest.
Where and how are watermelons grown?
Watermelons are plants grown from tropical to temperate climates, needing temperatures higher than about 25 °C (77 °F) to thrive. On a garden scale, seeds are usually sown in pots under cover and transplanted into well-drained sandy loam with a pH between 5.5 and 7 and medium levels of nitrogen.
What state grows the best 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.
How long does it take to grow watermelon?
between 70 and 100 days
About Watermelons
Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
How much money does a watermelon farmer make?
Financials. Based on average yields per acre and average price of fresh market watermelons, producers, on average, grossed approximately $4,400 per acre in 2019; however, that varies considerably among states and between seeded and seedless varieties.
Why are watermelons so expensive?
Out of every 100 watermelons arriving to the packing plant, a very high percentage ends up discarded after not meeting the quality selection criteria.” Prices at origin have skyrocketed due to the lack of supply – especially of large sizes – and the good demand.
What country 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.
How many watermelons does a watermelon plant produce?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Is watermelon environmentally friendly?
watermelon has a low carbon footprint.
Food not only has a water footprint but also a carbon footprint, known as CO2e, which stands for carbon dioxide equivalent.
Where does the US get its watermelon?
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.
Where is watermelon best grown?
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.
How is watermelon available year round?
Absolutely! Watermelon is growing somewhere at any point during the year, which means it’s always available. Check out this handy chart to see where your watermelon is coming from. To get your watermelon fix during colder months just look for minis or “fresh cut” containers of watermelon in the produce aisle.
What is the most flavorful watermelon?
10 Great Watermelon Varieties
- Bradford Family. This watermelon is a true heirloom treasure.
- Sugar Baby. The quintessential icebox melon.
- Jubilee Bush.
- Georgia Rattlesnake.
- Odell’s White.
- Charleston Grey.
- Mountain Sweet Yellow.
- Moon and Stars.
Who has the sweetest watermelon?
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!
What is the sweetest tasting watermelon?
WSU found that the personal watermelon with the highest Brix value is the Pony Yellow, a lovely yellow-fleshed melon that scores a sugary 12.3 Brix. The icebox category tops out with another yellow-fleshed melon called Super Gold, which achieves a 12.8 Brix.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
How many watermelons will one seed produce?
Unlike most crops, watermelons grow on vines that grow out of the initial sprout and can grow to be six metres long. The number of vines determines how many watermelons there are per plant as each vine can produce between two to four melons during the growing season.
Do watermelons come back every year?
Watermelon plants do not come back every year as they are tender annuals. This means they complete their entire lifecycle in one season and are then killed off by the first frosts.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.