Watermelons are grown in nearly half the counties in Texas. However, a significant amount of that production is in small acreages are not considered commercial production. The top five watermelon producing counties are Hidalgo, Brooks, Know, Gaines, and Wood. Watermelons are an annual crop in Texas.
When should I plant watermelon in Texas?
Plant melons when the soil warms up in mid spring. This would be about mid April in north Texas, late March to early April in central parts of the state and mid to late March along the coastal region. Prior to planting work 1 to 2 cups of a complete fertilizer into the soil per 50 square feet of garden bed area.
What is the best watermelon to grow in Texas?
Top Central TX Watermelons and Harvesting Tips
- Black Diamond (dark green rind, bright red flesh, juicy, sweet)
- Crimson Sweet (light and dark green stripes, red flesh, very sweet)
- Charleston Gray (medium green rind, red flesh, crisp, fiberless)
- Bush Sugar Baby (light and dark green stripes, red flesh, flavorful)
How long does it take to grow a watermelon in Texas?
85 to 100 days
Best Watermelon Varieties For North Texas
Most watermelons mature in 85 to 100 days, while some need up to 130 warm days to ripen. (Days to maturity measures the average number of days from seed germination until harvest.)
Where are most watermelons grown in Texas?
Watermelons are grown in about half of Texas counties. However, a significant amount of this product is in a small area which is not considered a commercial product. The top five Watermelon-growing counties are Hidalgo, Brooks, Know, Gaines and Wood. Watermelon is an annual crop in Texas.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
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.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don’t get enough sun. ‘Sugar Pot’ and ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ are the best two choices for container growing.
How long do watermelons take to grow?
It takes the shortest amount of time to mature, about 70 to 75 days. A main-season watermelon is larger and takes longer to ripen, usually 80 to 90 days.
Will cantaloupe grow in Texas?
Planting and Harvesting Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are planted in Central Texas starting in March to April (when the soil temperature is 75-89oF and can be harvested from June to November. There needs to be at least 110-140 frost-free days for cantaloupes to fully mature.
Can you plant watermelon in grass?
Watermelons in the lawn
If you don’t have room in the garden for watermelon vines, think about growing them in the middle of the lawn. Simply dump two 40-pound bags of composted cow manure and one 40-pound bag of topsoil into a heap on the lawn. Mix and mound with a trowel or by hand to integrate all materials.
What month do you plant watermelon?
Watermelons need about 100 days of warm weather to produce an edible melon. If the warm, late fall and winter weather of recent years continues, you may get a watermelon for Christmas. The best times to sow seeds for watermelons are early March and early August.
Can you grow watermelon indoors?
Start seeds indoors.
Watermelon seeds can be started indoors, about six weeks prior to growing season. Plant seeds in peat pots and place near a sunny windowsill. Keep soil moist, but refrain from overwatering at this stage—peat pots are very absorbent and will keep the soil humid for the newly germinating seeds.
How much water does a watermelon need a day?
Watermelons do not need water every single day. Only consider watering your watermelons daily when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Watering 1–2 times per week works well as long as temperatures are below 90°F. Try to keep the soil moist to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) at all times.
What state has the best watermelon?
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.
What state has the best tasting 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 watermelon Capital of Texas?
Hempstead
Hempstead, known as the watermelon capital of Texas, was the main supplier of watermelons to the United States until the 1940s.
What to put under watermelons while growing?
In order to grow great watermelons, you’ll need to put a barrier between the watermelons and the ground. This is to reduce the risk of rot and disease. Good ground barriers are straw, or even cardboard.
Do watermelon plants come back every year?
Do watermelon plants 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.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
How to Grow Watermelons. Watering is very important—from planting until fruit begins to form. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Can I grow watermelon in a 5 gallon bucket?
You need to choose a pot that will be large enough for your container watermelon to thrive. Watermelons grow rapidly and require plenty of water, so it is recommended that you go with a 5-gallon (19 kg) or larger size container. Make sure that the container you will be growing watermelons in has enough drainage holes.
What can you not plant with watermelon?
For companion plants, you’re going to want to plant it with things like radishes, lettuces & then avoid things like cucumber, zucchini, and basically anything in the melon family. Basically they make it difficult for the plants to grow and mature and can attract diseases.