The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a warm-season plant native to Africa. It thrives in regions with long growing seasons and warm temperatures. Gardeners in warmer climes can cultivate watermelon in the winter by taking extra precautions to maintain warm soil temperatures the plants need to survive.
Citrullus is a genus of seven species of desert vines, among which Citrullus lanatus is an important crop. Molecular data, including sequences from the original collection of Momordica lanata made near Cape Town by C. P. Thunberg in 1773 show that what Thunberg colle…
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Where do watermelons grow in the winter?
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 do watermelons grow in the US?
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.
Is watermelon in season all year?
Watermelon season starts as early as May in some places, and winds down in September. 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.
What temperature is too cold for watermelons?
Avoid growing watermelon where night temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C); this will cause the fruit to lose flavor. If temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). for several days, flowers will drop without setting fruit. Watermelons require 65 to 90 frost-free days to reach harvest depending on the variety.
Will watermelons grow in October?
Planting Times
In warmer climates, like Texas and the hotter areas of California, planting time for watermelons is December through early July, although April through July is more common. Harvest time ranges early-summer to mid-fall; some varieties may ripen in 90 days or less and are known as "early" varieties.
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.
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. Cordele is located along Interstate 75, 140 miles south of Atlanta and 100 mile north of the Florida state line.
Where does watermelon grow in December?
While it's generally considered a summer fruit, growers in Florida are lucky enough to be able to plant watermelon for harvest in the winter as well. In fact, Florida is the only state in the country that produces watermelon from December to April.
Do watermelons grow in Mexico?
In Mexico, watermelons are grown in several states, with Sonora, Colima and Nayarit being the biggest producers. While the majority are exported to the U.S., sandías are still plentiful, delicious and inexpensive all throughout Mexico.
Can watermelons grow anywhere?
Watermelon thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11. This range includes most of the United States, but heat, the growing season length and planting conditions are also important for success with growing watermelons.
Where do watermelons grow naturally?
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.
Can I grow watermelon in Chicago?
Melons can be difficult for some growers in the Chicago area since they demand warm soil and long baking days in full sun. 'Sungold' is a 5- to 7-pound casaba melon well-suited to Northern gardens' shorter growing season.
Can watermelons survive frost?
No, watermelons cannot survive frost. Freezing temperatures will cause the fruit to wither and die on the vine. A watermelon covered in frost, even for a short period of time, will turn mushy and inedible.
Can you grow watermelon in Texas?
Melons most commonly grown in Texas include honeydew, muskmelon and watermelon. Muskmelons are often mistakenly called cantaloupes, but the true cantaloupe is a small, warty fruit and is not usually grown in the United States.
Can watermelon grow in rainy season?
Watermelons grow easily during the rainy season.
Where is world’s largest watermelon farm?
GREEN RIVER, UTAH – The tiny town of Green River (population 929) may not be big, but it is home to the “World's Largest Watermelon.” The old wooden wedge is kept in storage in a hangar in the Green River Airfield and makes appearances at events like Green River's annual Melon Days Festival.
What is the watermelon capital of the United States?
CORDELE, GA (WALB) - Cordele is living up to its nickname as the Watermelon capital of the world. The farmers market is busy right now with people buying and selling the sweet fruit.
What state has the best tasting 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 happens if you eat watermelon everyday?
If you eat an abundance of the fruit daily, however, you may experience problems from having too much lycopene or potassium. The consumption of more than 30 mg of lycopene daily could potentially cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating, according to the American Cancer Society.
What is the best watermelon in the world?
25 of the Best Watermelon Varieties
Where are the sweetest watermelons grown?
Cave City watermelons are locally-grown, and the sweetest in the world. From corner stands in the state's capital to farmers' markets in small towns, Cave City watermelons can be found statewide.
Can watermelon be grown year round?
Always In Season, Year-Round
Over 30 U.S. states grow watermelon, with harvest starting on the East Coast and rolling westward and north across the country over the course of several months.
Where do watermelons come from in January?
There are many watermelons coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Central America during the winter months. These watermelons are just as sweet, juicy and tasty as they are in the summer months! Unfortunately there is no existing watermelon ordering system online.
Are watermelons in season in January?
During the months of May to September, melons are in season. While available year-round in a supermarket, melons are much more affordable during the summer season. The three most popular melons in America are cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew.