Can you grow watermelons in the desert?

Native varieties are always a safe bet. Try Native Seed Search for varieties that have been grown in the desert. To get large melons do not purchase varieties that are dwarfing types. Popular varieties that do well in our desert conditions are crimson sweet, Ali Baba, Sugar Baby, Bradford, Moon and Stars, and Hopi Red.

How long does it take to grow watermelon in Arizona?

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.

Do melons grow well in Arizona?

In Arizona, our cantaloupe crop is a spring, summer and fall crop. Because of our 300-plus days of super sunshine in Arizona, cantaloupe and honeydew melons can be harvested in the spring and fall. Regarding Arizona watermelon, harvested acreage has ranged from 2,700 to 7,600 acres since 1992.

What is the best watermelon to grow?

Below are a few of the best watermelon varieties to plant.

• Mini Watermelons Varieties. Mini, or personal watermelons have become very popular in the grocery store.
• Belle 460. This mini watermelon takes 85 days to mature and produces 5-pound fruits.
• Diana.
• Gold Flower.
• Wonder.
• Icebox Watermelon Varieties.
• Boston.
• Golden Honey.

Can watermelon grow in AZ?

In hot summer climates like the low desert of Arizona, choose short-season varieties or types adapted to the heat of the summer such as Desert King and Hopi Yellow. In cooler climates, choose short-season varieties such as Golden Midget and Sugar Baby.

Why do watermelons turn black?

Watermelon blossom end rot isn’t caused by a pathogen; it’s the result of fruit that lacks the correct amount of calcium to develop properly. A lack of calcium ultimately causes rapidly developing cells in fruits to collapse on themselves, turning the blossom end of the watermelon into a black, leathery lesion.

What is the best time to buy watermelon?

But the best time to buy is between May and September. That’s when production kicks in for the four top watermelon-growing states—Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia—which account for two-thirds of the U.S. crop and keep supermarket bins consistently full.

Why are Densuke watermelons so expensive?

Just like other luxury fruits, the sweeter it is, the higher it can be priced. One last fact about the Densuke watermelon’s price point is its scarcity. These watermelons can only be grown in Hokkaido, where are only 100 are produced each year. Even with the steep price tag, there are still people willing to buy them.

Do watermelons like wet soil?

Moisture Requirements for Watermelon Although the watermelon’s deep root system makes it relatively drought-tolerant, the plant requires an abundance of water to produce healthy fruit. Keep the soil consistently moist from planting until the fruit reaches the size of a tennis ball.

How can you tell if a watermelon is male or female?

First, you must distinguish between the male and female flowers, which are both yellow. Female flowers are attached to the plant by what appears as an immature watermelon, while males are attached by only a thin greenish stem.

How do you know if a watermelon is bad?

The easiest way to tell is to check the skin for any soggy spots and patches of greenish-blue, black, or white mold. Even if the exterior looks OK, there’s a chance that the fruit could have gone bad. If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it.

Which state has the best watermelon?

Florida
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.

Are there any watermelon plants in the Arizona desert?

Arizona has long been considered one of the top producing states for watermelon. It’s believed that watermelon originated from the African deserts, so one would think it’s well adapted to a hot, dry climate like Arizona. For several years, my attempts at growing this wonderful summer fruit failed time and time again.

When is the best time to plant watermelon in Arizona?

It is best to wait until the soil is 70°F or warmer, which isn’t typically a problem in Arizona. The soil needs to be warm for the seeds to properly germinate and grow.

Which is the best state to grow watermelon?

Arizona has long been considered one of the top producing states for watermelon. It’s believed that watermelon originated from the African deserts, so one would think it’s well adapted to a hot, dry climate like Arizona.

What’s the best way to grow a watermelon plant?

Feed watermelon throughout the growing season Once vines begin growing well, feed with a balanced organic fertilizer. When fruit sets on the plant, apply a soil drenching of seaweed fertilizer. 6. Mulch the plant and protect the fruit Mulch plants well to prevent weeds and conserve moisture.