Introduction
Watermelons (Citrullus lunatus) are in the family Cucurbitaceae and are divided into types based on their weight: personal (<6 lbs), icebox (6–15 lbs), and picnic (>15 lbs). Watermelon arrived in the Americas in the early 1600s with traders and was first cultivated in Massachusetts in 1629. Until 1980s, watermelons were considered a seasonal fruit, but today imports combined with local production ensure a year-round supply. Icebox watermelons are gaining in popularity as they are ideal for small families and fit easily into a refrigerator.
Our program at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC focuses on evaluating:
- The diversity of watermelon flesh colors.
- Early maturing varieties that are suitable for production in the relatively cool climate of Northwest Washington.
- Use of grafting to prevent soil-borne diseases that are common in our cool climate.
Publications
- 2013 Cost Estimation of Producing Seedless Watermelon in Eastern Washington (PDF).
- This publication serves as a general budgetary outline for establishing and producing seedless watermelon in Washington. WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS150E. 6 pages. Published October 2014.
- 2004 – 2005 Variety Descriptions (PDF).
- This table includes information for each variety in our trial in 2004 and 2005. Information includes days to maturity, fruit size and weight, rind color, flesh color, ploidy, brix, and seed sources.
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