Do watermelons grow in Florida?

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.

1. When should you plant watermelon in Florida?
2. How long is watermelon season in Florida?
3. Do watermelons like sun or shade?
4. What melons grow well in Florida?
5. How long does watermelon take to grow?
6. Can you grow watermelon in Central Florida?
7. What is the easiest fruit to grow in Florida?
8. What are Florida's top crops?
9. Where are Florida watermelons grown?
10. Do watermelons come back every year?
11. How many watermelons do you get from one plant?
12. Can you grow watermelons in pots?
13. Where do watermelons grow year-round?
14. Can you grow watermelons in winter?

When should you plant watermelon in Florida?

Primary planting dates for watermelons in Florida range from December 15 to April 15. Planting in south Florida may extend from December 15 to March 1, in central Florida from January 15 to March 15, and in north Florida from February 15 to April 15.

How long is watermelon season in Florida?

Florida's watermelon season starts in April, peaks in May and June, and typically ends somewhere around July. Then, a second season emerges in September and October. Demand for the tasty and nutritious fruit that is synonymous with summer continues to increase, especially with highly desirable seedless varieties.

Do watermelons like sun or shade?

Light. Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons.

What melons grow well in Florida?

Several kinds of melons grow well in Florida, including casaba, honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe. Watermelons have crisp, juicy flesh that's perfect for summer eating. Cantaloupes (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) have a creamier flesh that is orange and a netted, yellow-colored rind.

How long does watermelon take to grow?

Watermelons require 80-90 days from seed sowing to grow a full-size watermelon. Some smaller-sized watermelons (like Sugar Baby) can reach maturity in closer to 70 days.

Can you grow watermelon in Central Florida?

Gardeners in Central and South Florida can plant earlier in the year, where warmer springtime temperatures make planting ideal from January through March. In Central Florida, watermelons can be planted again in August, and in August and September for those in South Florida.

What is the easiest fruit to grow in Florida?

Figs are an easy fruit to grow in Florida. They prefer full sun and Plenty of room to grow. Figs can get 12-15 feet tall and the same wide.

What are Florida's top crops?

Among Florida's top agricultural products are oranges, greenhouse and nursery products, cane for sugar, and cattle and calves. Florida's recognized signature crop is citrus. The 2017 Census of Agriculture shows 502,886 acres in orchards (known as groves in Florida), second only to California.

Where are Florida watermelons grown?

Watermelons are grown throughout Florida. The greatest production region is the north to north-central region, including Suwannee, Gilchrist, Alachua, Lake, Levy, Marion, and Sumter Counties. In 2002, this region comprised 36.6% of the harvested acreage and 26.7% of the state's watermelon producing farms.

Do watermelons come back every year?

As annual plants, watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) must be replanted every season and will not survive the winter either as seedlings or fully grown plants. Watermelons require warm weather to grow quickly and produce their sweet, juicy fruit.

How many watermelons do you get from one plant?

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.

Can you grow watermelons in pots?

Yes, you can grow watermelon in pots. But there are some important guidelines you'll want to follow to set yourself up for success. Watermelons are fun to grow in pots, but they must be cared for properly.

Where do watermelons grow 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 grow watermelons in 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.