How to grow watermelon in florida

Use mulch to help prevent weeds.

Watermelons need warm weather. ...
Plant in an area with lots of exposure to the sun. ...
Use a tiller to ensure good soil. ...
Establish good drainage. ...
Add compost to soil to help pH balance. ...
Allow enough soil for the seeds to grow roots. ...
Keep soil moist. ...
Apply mulch to help prevent weeds.

When can you plant watermelon in Florida?
Do watermelon grow well in Florida?
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
What month do you plant watermelon?
Where do watermelons grow best?
Can watermelon grow all year round?
What is watermelon season in Florida?
Do you turn watermelons as they grow?
How much is an acre of watermelon?
How long do watermelons plants last?
What's the best fertilizer for watermelons?
How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

When can 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.

Do watermelon grow well in Florida?

Florida has a great climate for growing watermelon, and is actually a leading producer for the nation. 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.

How many watermelons do you get 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.

What month do you plant watermelon?

Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above.
Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

Where do watermelons grow best?

Watermelons do best in loamy, somewhat-sandy, well-drained soil. Watermelons prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (“slightly acidic”). Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the sun's heat longer. Plan to space the plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill.

Can watermelon grow all year round?

Watermelon is available year-round! View the current peak production calendar, covering U.S. grown and imported watermelons.

What 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 you turn watermelons as they grow?

If vines aren't strong when temperatures are at their highest during the harvest season, they aren't able to protect the watermelon fruit from being exposed, which leads to sunburn damage. Coolong stresses that the best way to protect vines is to turn them back in drive rows.

How much is an acre of watermelon?

Farmers plant 1,600 to 1,800 watermelon plants per acre. One commercially-grown plant produces one or two melons in the field.

How long do watermelons plants last?

Storing Your Harvest

Kept in a cool place, you may be able to keep your watermelons usable for up to three weeks.

What's the best fertilizer for watermelons?

When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.

How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

The time it takes for a watermelon to mature can be anywhere from 65 to 90 days after planting. Once the fruit sets to tiny marble-sized melons, it only takes up to 45 days for those tiny melons to develop into watermelons 10 pounds in size or more.