Where do watermelons come from in Texas?
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.
Do watermelons grow well 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.
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)
Is Texas the number one producer of watermelon?
Texas is the top producer of watermelons in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, and are the No. 1 horticultural crop in Texas, Stein said.
What is a Texas watermelon?
Melons grown in Texas consist of honeydew, muskmelons and watermelons. Melons are vining crops that require a lot of space to grow and mature. For this reason, melons are not well suited for small gardens, especially watermelons. Melons are a traditional summer treat in Texas.
What is the best time to plant watermelon in Texas?
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.
How long does it take to grow a watermelon in Texas?
85 to 100 days
Best 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.)
What is the watermelon capital of the world?
BEARDSTOWN, ILLINOIS
That’s pretty sweet, right? 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.
Who has the best watermelon in the US?
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 do melons grow best?
For best performance, plant melons in hot, sunny locations with fertile, well drained soils. Plant melon seeds 1 week to 10 days before the last spring frost date. Watermelon and honeydew are more cold-sensitive than cantaloupe. Melons will not all ripen at the same time, so plan to pick them as they become ready.
What is the difference between watermelon and melon?
The main difference between watermelons and melons is seeds – watermelon seeds are spread throughout the fruit, while melons have a central seed cavity. Rockmelon, honeydew and watermelon are the most common varieties, although hybrids such as galia melons are now available.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
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. Water at the vine’s base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering.
How big of an area does watermelon grow in Texas?
Watermelons are the state’s largest annual horticultural crop. Over 42,000 acres are grown throughout Texas in over 100 counties. Grower/shippers coordinate sales into large metro areas and out-of-state shipments. Roadside market melons come from smaller acreage and part-time farmers.
Where can I buy watermelons in East Texas?
Halosulfuron (Permit) is being evaluated for over the top application. Watermelons are commercially produced in over 40% of the counties and rural areas in Texas. In east Texas substantial family income is generated from small plot/roadside sales. Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides help sustain production.
When to harvest watermelons in the Rio Grande Valley?
Sequential harvests start in April in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, in June and July in the Winter Garden and East Texas areas, and progresses to August in the Rolling Plains area, with late summer and early fall harvests in the Cross Timbers/DeLeon and southern High Plains.
What kind of weeds are on watermelon plants in Texas?
Pigweed, purslane, sunflower, and other weeds rob the crop of water and shade the foliage. Texas panicum and perennials such as johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge reduce yields. Cultivation is practiced while the plants are young.