The watermelon stands as one of the most popular fresh fruits consumed in the United States, with domestic production spanning over 100,000 acres annually. While this refreshing melon is grown on a small scale in nearly every state, commercial cultivation is a geographically concentrated enterprise. This output is primarily sourced from a handful of states that possess the unique climate needed to sustain large-scale growth. The industry is dynamic, with the harvest moving across the country throughout the year to meet continuous consumer demand.
Top Producing States
The commercial supply of watermelons is heavily reliant on a few regions that dominate the national output. Florida consistently ranks as the top producing state, accounting for almost one-quarter of the total U.S. watermelon production. In 2024, Florida alone yielded 912 million pounds of the fruit, demonstrating its dominance in the market. Following Florida, the production landscape is shaped by Georgia, California, and Texas, which collectively harvest a significant portion of the country’s supply. Other states, including Indiana, North Carolina, Arizona, and South Carolina, contribute substantially to the overall harvest, ensuring a robust supply chain.
Seasonal Shifts in Production
The domestic watermelon supply chain operates on a moving calendar, with the harvest season beginning in the Southern states and progressing northward and westward. Commercial production typically starts in the spring and continues through the early fall, with the peak availability occurring in July. Florida production often kicks off the season in April and May, providing the first major volumes of the year. As the spring heat moves west, Texas and Arizona contribute to the supply, while Georgia and the Carolinas follow with their harvests during the summer months. The season then concludes with later harvests, often extending into September, from states like California and Indiana.
Climate Requirements for Cultivation
The concentration of commercial watermelon cultivation in the South and Southwest is tied to the specific environmental needs of the plant. Watermelons thrive in long, hot growing seasons, requiring consistent daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Frost is fatal to the crop, dictating that planting does not occur until the soil temperature reaches a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants also require full sun exposure, ideally receiving between 8 and 10 hours of direct sunlight daily to stimulate sugar accumulation. Furthermore, watermelons grow best in well-drained sandy loam soils that prevent waterlogging around the roots. These requirements explain why production is largely confined to the warmer southern latitudes of the United States.