Some of following crops, however, can withstand the heat. Florida has an ideal climate for growing watermelon and is a leading producer of the fruit. The end of april marks the beginning of watermelon harvest season in central florida, and for growers like andy mcdonald, its especially sweet. To get a jumpstart in cooler climates, cover the planting area with black plastic to warm up the soil and start seeds. For spring gardens in north and central florida, the planting.
Florida yearly planting schedule warm season vegetables. Research in florida has shown that the presence of six smooth pigweed plants between watermelon plants throughout the whole season will reduce watermelon yield by 100%. It is an easytogrow crop which yields incredible flavor and is one of the largest edible fruits. First and last frost dates are averages for your region. As ive already mentioned, watermelon vines can reach up to 20 feet from their original growing location. South florida gardeners plant watermelon before march 1. Although watermelon requires a long growing season, if you start this sprawling plant early enough in the year, you can enjoy its fruits from late summer to early fall. Florida has a great climate for growing watermelon, and is actually a leading producer for the nation. 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. Weve created an in season produce calendar for florida so you can easily see when its the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if youve missed citrus season. In fact, florida is the only state in the country that produces watermelon from december to. 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. Those in north florida can plant watermelon in march and april and again in july and august. You can plant seeds directly in the soil, use transplants, or start your own transplants six to eight weeks before planting time.
Weve created an inseason produce calendar for florida so you can easily see when its the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if youve missed citrus season. While its generally considered a summer fruit, growers in florida are lucky enough to be able to plant watermelon for harvest in the winter as well. Growing conditions for watermelons include lots of sunshine during the day and warm nights. Zone 9 vegetable planting calendar guide urban farmer seeds. Growing honeydew melon from seeds garden season guide. Read on to find out about the different varieties as well as how much space you should give these guys and exactly when you should plant. Days to maturity range from 70 to 90, depending on the variety. This means, around day 75 or so, depending on how the season was, you can start watching for ripe watermelon. This range includes most of the united states, but heat, the growing season length and. Watermelons should be planted in spring after the last average frost date, when the soil temperature is at 60 degrees f or higher. As you can see, the watermelon season for every state occurs during the warmer months, but each states specific time periods are a little different. The tropical climate stretches the growing season yearround and makes florida the source of winter produce for much of the eastern u. A watermelon sits among leaves in a watermelon field.
Watermelon seeds can be directsown outside after danger of frost has passed. Growing watermelon in north florida when planting watermelon you can plant seeds or transplants just be careful with transplants as watermelons have sensitive roots. Native to africa, melons need warm temperatures up to 80f during the day and a long growing season. Department of agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 11. Look for transplants grown in peat pots that can be planted straight into the ground. Camila guillen, ufifas ufifas as fruit and vegetable farmers in. Grow watermelons learn how to grow melon seeds and plants in your home garden. Mar 04, 2016 this is called transplanting of watermelons.
Watermelon seeds should be planted outdoors in the spring well after all threats of frost have passed. These dates will vary a week or two so its important to watch the weather before planting. Perfect growing conditions this year could start florida melons up to three weeks early, with good volume and quality throughout the season. Melons demand two to three months of heat, which makes growing them in northern regions challenging, but not impossible. Florida watermelon farmers face uncertainty due to covid19. Depending on your place in the state and the years growing conditions, growing seasons and crop availability will vary. Grown all over florida, it is grown as far north as jackson county and as far south as collier county. Growing honeydew melons from seeds will require full sun. Watering is very importantfrom planting until fruit begins to form. Watermelon gardening solutions university of florida, institute of. Floridas summer sun takes a toll on traditional crops familiar in more northern gardens. With a last frost date of march 1st and first frost date of december 15th. Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70 f or above.
In texas, the watermelon season is from june to august. Florida crops in season florida department of agriculture. We will show you how in this complete, season by season, guide. Always use discretion according to current weather patterns. Thats because mcdonald double crops, planting the watermelon seedlings.
The plastic is punctured and fertilizer and water is put in the hole. The best time to plant watermelon in florida is in the early spring and once again in the early fall. Florida gardens are unique in that many growers have their offseason in the summer. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. Spring crops include sweet corn, cucumber, tomato, watermelon, and several kinds of beans.
With crops in the ground, florida watermelon growers face. On a hot summer day, nothing tastes better than a nice slice of watermelon. Watermelon planting dates range from december 15 to april 15, depending on the variety planted and the. Growing watermelon in florida varieties and when to plant. Vegetable gardening by season university of florida.
Cantaloupes are sprawlers, so plant them 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, welldrained soil. The growing zones for watermelons home guides sf gate. Surprisingly, the bulk of watermelon roots are found in the top 12 inches of soil. Watermelons need a long growing season at least 80 days and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow. Overall, florida is shipping high volumes of watermelons and as we near the memorial holiday weekend. This article will go into detail on growing watermelons in florida and what you need to know. Watermelon planting dates range from december 15 to april 15, depending on the variety planted and the growing region. Growing zone finder find your grow zone climate burpee. Thats because our beautiful climate allows something to grow during every season. When the weather is warm enough early spring, the first thing to decide is what type of watermelon to grow. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings to the gardenall customized to your location. Honeydew melons are some of the easiest fruits to grow from seeds. Growing watermelons also requires space, as the plants are vines and take up a lot of room.
This page has a table below that tells when each fruit or vegetable is normally ready to be harvested in florida. Florida is the perfect climate to grow watermelons. There are a number of varieties of watermelon that grow well in florida. Feb 18, 2018 best offers for your garden when to plant watermelon in florida. Plant winter greens, like kohlrabi and collards, from september to march. For best results, choose varieties recommended for florida. Watermelons need to be grown in warm weather in temperatures over 70 degrees. However, there are those who believe that watermelon arrived in the united states via african slaves. Unlike seeds from fruits trees, say apples and apricots, you can enjoy honeydew in as early as 65 to 75 days.
There are a number of different watermelon varieties that will grow in florida. Their watermelon season includes all of june, july, august and september. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. Watermelon seed varieties continue reading growing watermelon in arizona. Sweet and juicy red flesh make this watermelon an excellent choice for your garden.
Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination. Whats in season in may 2020, and other timely information. Growing watermelons in florida svn saunders ralston dantzler. The four states with the highest watermelon production were texas, florida, georgia and california, respectively, in 2000. When is watermelon season in texas, florida, california and georgia. Approximate date in the fall when a frost may be expected. Growing cantaloupe and honeydew melons bonnie plants. Watermelon growing tips and advice for seeds and plants in your garden. Watermelon is synonymous with summer and is served at just about every backyard bbq and 4th of july party you go to. They are the largest annual horticulture crop in texas. With crops in the ground, florida watermelon growers face uncertainty today, as fruit and vegetable farmers in south florida decide what to do with produce once destined for nowclosed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in north florida have recently finished planting their crop. Consequently when watering, try and apply only as much water as the root zone top 12 can hold.
Planting calendar for pensacola, fl old farmers almanac. Florida is in 8, 9 and 10 usda plant hardiness zones. Florida watermelon set for early, plentiful harvest packer. Zone 9 vegetable planting calendar guide urban farmer. Florida watermelon shipments archives haul produce. Watermelon gardening solutions university of florida. Plant bush and pole beans every 3 weeks in spring and fall for successive harvests. In south florida, watermelon shippers are finishing their season, which is overlapping the early to midmay start of central florida watermelon shipments. Growing watermelon in arizona gilbert, queen creek, mesa. Water at the vines base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering. Growing watermelon in north florida prestige landscapes llc. Whats in season florida produce calendar infographic.
To grow watermelons in your garden, youll need a goodsized space. Planting vegetable seeds or transplants at the correct time is important to getting the most out of your garden. Aug 03, 2016 growing watermelon in north florida when planting watermelon you can plant seeds or transplants just be careful with transplants as watermelons have sensitive roots. An abundant producer of generally round watermelons in the 50pound range. Growing cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so its best to improve your soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter. All florida department of agriculture and consumer services offices will be closed to the public until further notice the department is working in collaboration with other state and local officials to ensure the safety of our employees and community. Watermelons trending in central florida growing produce. The florida watermelon association represents the growers, brokers and associated companies of the watermelon industry in florida. This is definitely true for texas, california and georgia. Gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelon vines by starting seeds indoors and choosing shortseason varieties. Watermelon is a warm season fruit loved by just about everyone. According to the 2017 usda census of agriculture, levy county has the largest acreage of watermelons in the state, with gilchrist a close second. In fact, water comprises 92 percent of the watermelon fruit. They are great sliced, in fruit salads, and the rind is even used hollowed out as a serving basket or bowl.
The plants are grown in a greenhouse then planted in a field. Some of following crops, however, can withstand the heat and keep your vegetable garden productive. Spade or plow the plot at least 34 weeks before planting. Farms in florida provide the perfect climate to grow watermelons. Give plants a fabulous start to the growing season by improving native soil with several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Hundreds of farms grow watermelons in an area of over 17,000 hectares throughout the state. At one time, i was the only commercial watermelon producer in hillsborough county, says willis, who left the farm briefly after high school for a stint in the nursery business, but returned to farming in the mid1990s. China is now the worlds largest producer of watermelons. Watermelon growers in florida have a planting window of only a few weeks and must balance the risk of losses from frost damage with maximizing economic. Planting watermelons in your garden is a little different than growing them on your lawn. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrientrich, welldrained soil with a ph of 6. Growing watermelons is a wonderful thing to do, especially if you love fruit in the summertime.
Floridas watermelon season is off to a good start freshplaza. Best offers for your garden when to plant watermelon in florida. With a little planning and some simple tips, the outside of your home can be as inviting as the inside. Florida is one the top producing states for watermelons in the u. As with other crops in the home garden, planting time is pivotal to the. Introduced by famed florida watermelon pioneer melville dillon in. Gardeners in central and south florida can plant earlier in the year, where warmer springtime temperatures make planting ideal from january through march. The seeds can be started indoors up to three weeks before planting in the garden. If you thinking of growing watermelon in arizona, this article is for you. Landscaping in florida is easy if you follow some easy to understand methods. In cool climates with short growing seasons, start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. Soil should be 70 degrees f or warmer at planting time. Watermelons, like other vining plants, need plenty of space to grow.
Growing cantaloupe and honeydew melons at home is so rewarding, as these fruits offer an explosive taste that doesnt compare to their storebought cousins. You want to be sure to keep the area free from weeds. July and august are the peak season for fresh and juicy watermelons. However, watermelon plants maintained free of emerging smooth pigweed for four weeks suffer no yield loss as a result of competition from smooth pigweed plants emerging after. Find the best dates for planting and transplanting vegetables and fruit. Planting watermelons is a great way to use your property and provide a healthy and delicious treat for the summer. More than 20% of the states watermelon crop is produced in these two counties. Fresh from florida watermelons can be found in grocery stores across north america. Now 39, willis is the sole proprietor of jfkw farms, growing 150 acres of watermelons and 65 acres of tomatoes. Most vegetable varieties will have no problem maturing before your first frost date. The united states is fourth in world production with florida, texas, california, georgia and arizona consistently leading the country in production.
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