Jun 01, 2010 hey all, just a quick question, we are huge watermelon fans in this house but it seems 9 out of 10 supermarket melons are dry and gritty and dont have the wonderful fresh watermelon taste. Watermelon is ready to harvest when the vines slow waaaay down and. Seedless varieties are in increasing demand, and the share of seedless watermelon in total watermelon shipments in the united states increased from 51 percent in 2003 to 83 percent in 2012. The seeds can be started indoors up to three weeks before planting in the garden. Production peaks in august, and the season ends in november. If you live in the northern part of the country and have a short growing season, it is best to buy the transplants or start the seeds yourself in peat pots. Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the suns heat longer.
Gardeners with short seasons should prune off any flowers that form during the last 6 to 7 weeks before your first frost date, to encourage existing fruits to ripen in time. Watermelons are grown in the southern regions of the u. Dec 15, 2018 today, varieties of the warm season annual range from 1pound personal melons to 100pound contest entries. Planting watermelons the ideal date to plant watermelons varies according to the climate. In high elevation areas with a short growing season of 90 to 120 days and frost is possible in any month, melons need to be protected with row covers. But for some reason, there is something so neat about growing watermelons. Like most gardeners, i love growing just about everything. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination. Because watermelons require a long, warm growing season, their best production in the united states occurs in the south and southwest regions, where there is ample growing time and warm weather. Watermelon growing and harvest information growing. Watermelons, a perennial favorite summertime snack, grow well in warmer climates. How to plant watermelon in the southwest desert ehow. University of california agriculture and natural resources.
This will give you a small jump on the growing season. The largest producing state, california harvests 83% of the strawberries grown in the u. Plant 23 seeds about 1215 inches apart some varieties can be planted closer, pull the weaker plants which can be transplanted and water deeply. If you live in warmer climes, you can sow seeds directly outdoors, but wait until the soil temperature warms to at least 70f to avoid. Watermelon seed varieties continue reading growing watermelon in arizona. Mouthwatering color and silky crepepaper petals make this poppy a scrumptious showpiece throughout summer. Every market does not carry every kind of produce in season, but may carry other produce items such as dried fruit see photo at right. Jun 27, 2015 everything you need to know about growing watermelons is here. If youre growing melons, buy seeds that are regionally adapted or have some resistance to powdery mildew, she suggests.
Stagger plantings in the long growing season of the southern zones to enjoy watermelon for a longer period. How many tasteless watermelons will you buy at the grocery store this season. Gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelon vines by starting seeds indoors and choosing shortseason varieties. Cut watermelon must be eaten within one or two days, if stored in the fridge.
Production peaks in august and the season ends in november. To get a jumpstart in cooler climates, cover the planting area with black plastic to warm up the soil and start seeds. To keep them growing steadily, side dress mid season with a layer of compost. How to grow watermelons complete growing guide youtube. Growing watermelons in florida svn saunders ralston dantzler. Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11. Major competition in the market comes from mexico, arizona, and texas. If youve been avoiding growing watermelons because your garden is too small, wait no longer. Their long maturation time and intolerance to frost limit their size in colorados short growing season. It also contains niacin, thiamin, vitamin b6, zinc, magnesium and many more nutrients. Barbershop in laguna hills reopens during californias stayathome.
Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhatsandy, welldrained soil. Watermelon is a nutrientrich food full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. May 08, 2012 in a nut shell, plant most corn in full sun about a thumb knuckle and a half deep when the ground temperature is warmer than 50. Home gardeners in cooler regions can usually do fairly well with watermelons if they start seed indoors a month or more ahead of planting outdoors, but. A single watermelon plant, given good growing conditions, can almost fill a 15footwide circle on the ground. Best watermelon varieties to plant gardening channel.
Watermelon conjures fond memories of hot summer days, chins dripping with juice and happy kids running around. We are still shipping orders and intend to stay open during the corona virus outbreak. Watermelon production in california uc vegetable research and information center, 2009 20 cost estimation of producing seedless watermelon in eastern washington. Some home gardeners may be intimidated when it comes to growing these large melons. Select short season varieties such as million bucks hybrid or orange sunshine hybrid if your growing season is less than 90 days. May 01, 2017 if you thinking of growing watermelon in arizona, this article is for you. It is an easytogrow crop which yields incredible flavor and is one of the largest edible fruits. There are many health benefits to watermelon as it is low in calories so it promotes phytonutrients and antioxidants essential for the optimization of health.
Imported watermelon is in its peak season from march through may. California cantaloupe farmers are gearing up for the california cantaloupe season coming up in just a few short months. Gardeners in northern areas should choose early varieties and use transplants. Chose a container that is at least 18 inches wide and deep to grow one watermelon. This is the time of year where most grocery stores will swipe the citrus for the stone fruit. Watermelons can be grown in all parts of the country, but the warmer temperatures and longer growing season of southern areas especially favor this vegetable. Although watermelon is available year round, domestic watermelon is in its peak season from may through august. California produces approximately 330,000 tons 302 t of watermelon per year 1. Growing watermelon in arizona gilbert, queen creek, mesa. Watermelons need a long growing season at least 80 days and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Surprisingly, the southwestern state of arizona is a major watermelon producing state.
The growing zones for watermelons home guides sf gate. This is definitely true for texas, california and georgia. During these months, the majority of cantaloupe is produced in california. Most california watermelons are marketed in the western united states and canada.
A sandy, light loam deeply enriched with manure and compost is. The best california apricots are had right at the start of the season. How to grow watermelon in san diego county edible san diego. Watermelons grow best on nonsaline sandy loam or silt loam soils. You will generally get only 2 to 3 watermelons per vine. Cucumber mosaic virus cmv, watermelon production in california watermelon production in california. Planting seeded watermelon in largescale production in desert areas of southern california and in the san joaquin valley, few seeded varieties are currently grown. Watermelon crop value moves up and down each year but in recent times its estimated value has been. To help you with growing watermelon, our comprehensive guide gives you all the details about planting, harvesting, companion plants and pests. Watermelon seeds should be planted outdoors in the spring well after all threats of frost have passed. Today, varieties of the warmseason annual range from 1pound personal melons to 100pound contest entries. Winston studied political science at the university of california, san diego. Growing watermelons may be started from directly seeding the ground or from transplants purchased from a nursery.
Surprisingly, the southwestern state of arizona is a major watermelonproducing state. But if you have less than 90 growing days, you can still harvest a watermelon. Watermelons are native to africa and thrive in warm, moist conditions. Soil should be 70 degrees f or warmer at planting time. Warm season crops are crops that grow best when the days are long and hot between 65f and 95f. Watermelon growing and harvest information growing vegetables. If you live in a climate with a short growing season, consider starting your watermelon seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden. Splashy watermelon blooms are dotted with a delicious creamy white center, ideal for cooling sunny beds with small or large drifts.
The united states is fourth in world production with florida, texas, california, georgia and arizona consistently leading the country in production. Watermelon is a warm season fruit loved by just about everyone. California watermelon statistics, facts seecalifornia. Jul 17, 2017 though colorado is wellsuited to grow the popular rocky ford variety of cantaloupes, watermelons often struggle to survive here. Limited supplies of california watermelons are available beginning in may. We are experiencing significantly high call volumes right now. Seedless varieties are in increasing demand, and the share of seedless watermelon in total watermelon shipments in the united states. Commonly used seedless varieties include fandango, super cool, nova, laurel, wonderland, fire cracker. On the other hand, georgias watermelon season starts at the end of july and ends at the beginning of. In short growing season, regions extend the season by starting melons in containers indoors. Plus, the smaller fruits are easier to harvest and. Those delightful oversized melons so common in the united states south are not wellsuited to grow in areas of the country with short summer seasons, but there are some delicious, sweet, well.
How to grow watermelon from seed growing melons gardening. Tricks for growing melons in pnw maritime climate osu. This range includes most of the united states, but heat, the growing season length and. Washington state university, 20 fruit and tree nut yearbook tables. The four states with the highest watermelon production were texas, florida, georgia and california, respectively.
Growing conditions for watermelons include lots of sunshine during the day and warm nights. If you live in the northern part of the country and have a short growing season, it is best to buy the transplants or start the seeds yourself in peat pots in a controlled environment. In texas, the watermelon season is from june to august. They need at least 90 sunny, warm days to mature, and large picnic types can take up to days to ripen.
Watermelon production in california uc anr catalog. To help you with growing watermelon, our comprehensive guide gives you all the details about planting, harvesting, companion plants and pests to look out for, so you can grow your own fond memories. Planting watermelons is a great way to use your property and provide a healthy and delicious treat for the summer. This article will go into detail on growing watermelons in florida and what you need to know. The newer refrigeratorsize small hybrid watermelons are more satisfactory for the average home garden, especially in the northeast, where the growing season is shorter. I have grown watermelons for the last 10 years or so in my little backyard garden. Sow watermelon seed directly, or set out your transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. And if you have as little as 12 to 16 square feetthats 4 feet by 4 feet, you still have enough space to grow watermelon. Watermelon is synonymous with summer and is served at just about every backyard bbq and 4th of july party you go to. Start watermelon seeds indoors and use black plastic mulch. The larger ones you find later in the season tend to be mealy and very unappetizing. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. The following charts give the months of the year when various california fruits and vegetables are usually in season. Watermelon grows where there is adequate water and a fertile but.
Watermelon gardening solutions university of florida. Cucumber beetles and vine borers are the worst watermelon pests. Growing watermelon in the home garden is a cinch if you have the right conditions and you choose the best watermelon type. Knowing your first and last frost dates will help you start your vegetable seeds at the right time. Luckily, there are smaller icebox varieties that can be great for gardeners with limited space. To keep them growing steadily, side dress midseason with a layer of compost. Select shortseason varieties such as million bucks hybrid or orange sunshine hybrid if your growing season is less than 90 days. Be aware of both the approximate first and last frost dates in your area and protect plants if. Watermelons are humidity and heatloving plants that produce the largest harvests and sweetest fruits.
Once youve put a successful season of watermelon growing behind you, its time to experiment. Gardeners in cooler areas might have the best luck with honeydews and muskmelons, including the cantaloupetypes. Days to maturity range from 70 to 90, depending on the variety. Nov 28, 2016 watermelons need a long growing season at least 80 days and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Watermelon vegetable directory watch your garden grow. Though colorado is wellsuited to grow the popular rocky ford variety of cantaloupes, watermelons often struggle to survive here. California crop harvest calendar when fruit and vegetables. Native to africa, melons need warm temperatures up to 80f during the day and a long growing season. Jul 03, 20 florida and three other statesgeorgia, california, and texas accounted for twothirds of u. Crop time line for cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons in.
Growing watermelons, a summertime treat the spruce. The peak harvesting season in california runs from april through june, when up to 10 million pint baskets of strawberries are shipped daily. Although watermelon is a popular treat in the summertime, the watermelon season will slightly vary from different states. Florida and three other statesgeorgia, california, and texas accounted for twothirds of u. Watermelons, a perennial favorite summertime snack, grow well in warmer. The washington apricot season runs from june to august. Ive had so much fun with the more exotic and beautiful melons. These include crops with mature fruit such as tomatoes, cantaloupe, winter squash and watermelon or immature fruit such as corn, squash, and snap beans. They are great sliced, in fruit salads, and the rind is even used hollowed out as a serving basket or bowl. Aziz baameur, university of california cooperative extension farm. That said, watermelon is more suitable for inland growth, as coastal regions face the challenge of excess moisture and maygray and junegloom, which make the leaves of the plant susceptible to early powdery mildew. Plan to space the plants about 2 feet apart in a 5footwide hill.
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