By Malinda Geisler, content specialist, AgMRC, Iowa State University. 

Profile updated April 2008.

Overview
 
Watermelon production in the United States in 2007 totaled 4.29 billion pounds. The value of watermelons for the fresh market in 2006 was $434 million. The top five states in U.S. watermelon production, accounting for more than 75 percent of the total production, were Georgia, Florida, Texas, California and Arizona.

Watermelons thrive in sandy or sandy loam soils. The crop is usually ready to harvest in about 90 days. Peak production occurs from May through August.

Most of the U.S. watermelon production is consumed fresh. Per capita watermelon consumption in 2007 was 16.2 pounds. According to consumption data, women tend to eat more watermelon than men. About 85 percent of watermelons are purchased at the retail level for home consumption. Other processed products include roasted seeds, pickled rind and watermelon juice.

According to the University of Georgia, several marketing methods are used for watermelons. The method used depends on the grower and amount of production. Marketing methods include selling an entire field of production, using a broker or supplier, selling directly to truckers or stores, or selling directly to customers at farmers’ markets.


Sources

• Commodity Highlight: Watermelon, Economic Research Service, USDA, 2003 - This government document gives on overview of the U.S. watermelon industry.
• U.S. Watermelon Industry Statistics, Economic Research Service, USDA.
• Vegetables and Melons, Briefing Room, ERS, USDA.
• Vegetables - Annual Summary, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. 
• Watermelon Statistics, National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Marketing

• Commercial Watermelon Production, University of Georgia - This online guide includes a section on watermelon marketing and pricing.
• Factors Affecting Watermelon Consumption in the United States, Economic Research Service, USDA, 2001 - This article links watermelon consumption data to consumers' economic, social and demographic characteristics.
• National Watermelon Promotion Board - This Florida-based organization works on behalf of U.S. growers and shippers to increase consumer demand for watermelon.
• Smaller, Low-Price Seedless Watermelon’s Market Dominance Marks the End of Seeded Era, Texas A&M University, 2003 - This article reports how the once novelty seedless watermelons have become popular with consumers and retailers.
• USDA Fruit and Vegetable Programs
• Watermelon Packs a Powerful Lycopene Punch, Agricultural Research magazine, Agricultural Research Service, 2002 - Research found ripe watermelons contain about 40 percent more lycopene than raw tomatoes.

Production

• Beggs Family Farm is a part of Beggs Melon Company Inc., of Blodgett, Missouri. The family farm has raised watermelons since 1895. In addition to watermelons, the farm has added pumpkins and agritourism.
• Deficit Irrigation Influences Yield and Lycopene Content of Diploid and Triploid Watermelon, Texas A& M University, 2001 - According to this study, watermelon yields are reduced by deficit irrigation. Seedless watermelons had higher yield and water use efficiency compared to seeded varieties.
• Frey Farms Produce - This Southern Indiana melon farm raises seed and seedless watermelon varieties, which are distributed nationwide.
• Icebox Watermelons, Washington State University - This site reports results of icebox varieties. 
• Muskmelon & Watermelon, Iowa State University, 2001 - This online guide covers production, pest management, harvest and production costs.
• Watermelon, University of California-Davis - This site includes production, costs, Integrated Pest Management and postharvest information.

Links checked February 2008.