Watermelon production requires a long and warm growing season. Acreage for watermelon is the largest for a vegetable crop in Oklahoma. Although watermelon can be grown in many areas of the state, current major production areas include west central, south-central and eastern areas.
When should I plant watermelon in Oklahoma?
Watermelon planting begins in late March in southern Oklahoma and mid April in northern areas. Seed will not germinate at soil temperatures below 60o F. Seedling emergence usually occurs in seven to ten days if soil temperature at seed depth is 65 to 68o F.
What states grow best watermelons?
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.
What states do watermelons grow?
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.
Why is the watermelon the state vegetable of Oklahoma?
Official State Vegetable of Oklahoma
Although there is discussion over whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable, Senator Don Barrington (who sponsored the bill) said watermelon comes from the cucumber and gourd families, which are classified as vegetables. Oklahoma also recognizes a state fruit (strawberry).
How long it takes for watermelon to grow?
between 70 and 100 days
About Watermelons
However, gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelons by starting seeds indoors or purchasing young plants from a nursery, and by growing shorter-season varieties. Depending on the variety of watermelon, it can take between 70 and 100 days to go from planting to harvest.
Which is the sweetest watermelon?
WSU found that the personal watermelon with the highest Brix value is the Pony Yellow, a lovely yellow-fleshed melon that scores a sugary 12.3 Brix. The icebox category tops out with another yellow-fleshed melon called Super Gold, which achieves a 12.8 Brix.
Where is the watermelon capital of the world?
Cordele
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.
How do you keep coyotes away from watermelons?
Over the years, the only deterrent we have found that works is putting a tomato cage over the watermelons as they start to grow. The coyotes have yet to figure out how to move the cages and the melons can’t be pulled through the wire. We manage to save a few watermelons each year using this method.
Which state is the largest producer of watermelon?
Production(000 Tonnes)
| 2021-22 | ||
| Sr No. | State | Share(%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 21.91 |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | 19.49 |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu | 9.77 |
Where is the biggest 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 month is watermelon season?
The best time for grocery store watermelons is when they’re in season. From May to September, stores will be supplied with melons at their peak from Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Texas, and California; these melons travel shorter distances than their off-season stand-ins, so they’re fresher when they get to you.
Is watermelon a fruit in Oklahoma?
The watermelon has been Oklahoma’s state vegetable — not fruit — for nearly a decade.
What is the official vegetable of Oklahoma?
Watermelon
Watermelon is Oklahoma’s state vegetable
In 2007, House Bill 1669 was introduced to the Oklahoma House of Representatives to sanction watermelon as the state’s official vegetable (via Snopes). The bill was sponsored by Democratic State Rep. Joe Dorman, and Republican State Sen. Don Barrington.
What is the official state meal of Oklahoma?
The official state meal of Oklahoma consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries (state fruit), chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
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.
Is growing watermelon hard?
The great news: watermelon is relatively easy to grow! It takes a long season and thrives in hot weather, but give it some space to sprawl, and it’s mostly maintenance-free!
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
Typically, watermelon plants need 1-2 inches of water per week so that the soil stays moist but not wet. If you’re not getting enough rain each week, make sure you give your plants an extra drink.
What month do you plant watermelon seeds?
The best time to plant watermelon seeds is from late spring to early summer, or when the soil temperature reaches 70 degrees or above. Watermelon seeds germinate easily and quickly, and seedlings don’t usually transplant well, so there’s no need to start them in a pot or seed tray.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Regardless of what variety you grow in your pots, be sure to site the containers in a location where they receive a minimum of 8 hours of full sun per day. Watermelons will not form flowers or fruits if they don’t get enough sun. ‘Sugar Pot’ and ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ are the best two choices for container growing.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter when growing?
Sweetness Starts in the Soil
To encourage strong growth, blend 4 to 6 inches of composted manure into your melon beds prior to planting. Then add a balanced organic fertilizer (such as a mixed blood meal/bone meal product) every 3 to 4 weeks.