Title: Watermelon Production
Headings: Watermelon Production
Watermelon Production
Marketing
Recommended watermelon varieties for Pennsylvania
Production Considerations
Planting and Fertilization
Pollination
Pest Management
Harvest and Storage
Environmental Regulations
Risk Management
Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices
Sample Budget
Initial Resource Requirements
Labor:
Equipment:
For More Information
Associations
Web Sites
Authors

Content: Watermelon was widely distributed throughout the remainder of the world by African slaves and European colonists. It was carried to Brazil, the West Indies, Eastern North America, islands of the Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. Written records indicate that watermelons were cultivated in Massachusetts as early as 1629, before 1664 by the Florida Indians, in 1673 in the Midwest, in 1747 in Connecticut (from seeds that originated in Russia), in 1799 by Indian tribes along the Colorado River, and in 1822 in Illinois. Watermelons are currently grown on all continents throughout the warm regions of the globe. Most of the watermelons harvested in the United States are sold as fresh produce. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, the United States produced 126,000 acres of watermelons in 2009 with a value of $460 million. Marketing
Fresh-market watermelons are produced in Pennsylvania from the end of July to the end of September. Watermelon cultivars recommended for Pennsylvania are listed below. Recommended watermelon varieties for Pennsylvania
Seedless (triploid) watermelons produce fruits having few if any true seeds. Immature, white seed coats and, under certain conditions, a few dark seeds may be present in the fruit.