The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a warm-season plant native to Africa. As an annual, it prospers best in regions with long growing seasons and warm temperatures. Winter watermelon culture is only possible in warm, frost-free climates or heated greenhouses in cooler climates.
Where is watermelon grown 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.
Can you find watermelon in the winter?
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.
Where do watermelons mostly grow?
Nearly 80 percent of all U.S. watermelon production hails from four States—Florida, Georgia, Texas and California.
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 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 temp is too cold for watermelon?
If dry storage temperatures are above 75 °F, shelf life will decline to 5 days. At temperatures between 32 and 45 °F, water- melons are subject to chilling injury that may result in pitting, off-flavors, and color loss.
How do watermelons grow in cold climates?
Starting seedlings
In northern climates, it’s best to start watermelons indoors to jump-start the growing season. Ideally, you want to start your seedlings three weeks before you’ll be ready to transplant them outside. The key to success for sprouting watermelons is warm soil with limited watering.
Is watermelon in season all year?
Watermelon season runs throughout the summer — from May to September — but the exact range depends on where you live, Keep an eye out at your local farmers market.
Where is the best watermelon in the world?
In 2019, Watermelons Production in Algeria grew 5.3% compared to the previous year. Since 2014 India Watermelons Production increased 6.6% year on year attaining 2,495,000 Metric Tons.
Watermelons Production.
| 118 Countries | #1 China |
|---|---|
| Metric Tons | 60,861,241.00 |
| Last | 2019 |
| YoY | -1.4 % |
| 5‑years CAGR | -0.3 % |
Where is the watermelon capital of the world?
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.
What country is known for watermelon?
China is the largest watermelon producer in the world with 60,861,241 tonnes production per year. China produces alone more than 60 % of world’s watermelon. Turkey comes second with 3,870,515 tonnes yearly production. With 2,495,000 tonnes of production per year, India is the third largest producer of watermelon.
What is the sweetest kind of 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.
What color watermelon is the sweetest?
yellow
According to the experts at the Watermelon Board, yellow and orange watermelons are generally sweeter than those with pink or red flesh. Seedless watermelons tend to have a crisper texture than those with seeds, they add.
What’s the sweetest watermelon in the world?
Sweetest by size
And the monsters that weigh 10-15 pounds are called picnic varieties. 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.
What is the watermelon capital of the United States?
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.
How much money does a watermelon farmer make?
Watermelon Crops Guide
| Estimated Cost | $700 to $1500 per acre |
|---|---|
| Yield Potential | 10,000 – 70,000 lbs/ac |
| Profit Potential | $0 to $2,000 per acre |
| Adapted Areas | Statewide |
| Labor Requirements | 1 to 2 man-days per acre during harvest, hand harvested |
Why is watermelon so expensive?
“Currently, we’re paying a lot more to our suppliers for watermelon due to the reduced supply in the market and ongoing bad weather in key growing regions. But it’s also just the wrong time of year.
How long does it take to grow a watermelon?
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.
Can watermelon grow in 100 degree weather?
In my experience, watermelons are quite heat tolerant, up there with sweet potatoes, peppers, and okra. They will thrive during heat waves that stress out even some other warm season crops like tomatoes and green beans, as long as they have good soil moisture.
How long does a watermelon plant live?
3-4 months
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.