Watermelon Production in California

Abstract

Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) are produced in the northern Central Valley (Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties); Central Valley (Kern and Tulare Counties); and southern California deserts (Imperial and Riverside Counties). Statewide, watermelons are planted from December to early July for harvest from mid-May to late October. Yields reach 40 tons per acre (90 t/ha) under ideal conditions. Lower yields often reflect depressed watermelon prices as much of the crop is left in the field.