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

Profile updated April 2011.


Overview
Watermelon production in the United States in 2010 totaled 4.1 billion pounds. The value of watermelons for the fresh market in 2010 was $492 million. The top five states in U.S. watermelon production, accounting for more than 75 percent of the total production, were Florida, California, Texas, Georgia and Indiana.

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 fresh watermelon consumption in 2008 was 15.4 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 (ERS), USDA, 2003 - This government document gives on overview of the U.S. watermelon industry.

Food Availability, ERS, USDA.

U.S. Watermelon Industry Statistics, ERS, USDA.

Vegetables and Melons, ERS, USDA.

Vegetables - Annual Summary, National Ag 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, ERS, 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

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.
• Frey Farms Produce, Poseyville, Indiana  - This Southern Indiana melon farm raises seed and seedless watermelon varieties, which are distributed nationwide.
• High Tunnel Melon & Watermelon Production, University of Missouri Extension, 2006.
• Icebox Watermelon Variety Trial 2004, Washington State University - This site reports results of icebox varieties.
• Watermelon Production and Management Resources, Vegetable Research & Information Center, University of California Extension. 

Links checked April 2011.