However, as an adult, I know it can get a little more confusing when you are the one in charge of getting said watermelons!
You might start to wonder about a couple of things: how do you pick the perfect watermelon? Where are watermelons grown in the US? When is watermelon season?
These are all valid questions, and the answer is not as cut and dry as you might think. Nonetheless, I will be taking a look at the answers to all these questions – starting with watermelon season!
When Is Watermelon Season?
Watermelon season is typically recognized as being from May to September. However, they are usually available year-round, so you can always get your hands on these delicious fruits!
Just know that the best watermelons are always found at the height of the watermelon season. So, it might be worth waiting to get your hands on some of those superb ones at the right time of year.
Do Different States Have Different Watermelon Seasons?
Yes! For an extensive list, take a look at the states and their unique watermelon seasons below:
Vermont – August, September
New Hampshire – August, September
New Jersey – August, September, October
Utah – September, October
Washington – August, September, and October
Hawaii – June, July, August, September
New York – September, October
Arizona – May, June, July, August, September, October, November
North Dakota – August, September
Virginia – July, August, and September
Oregon – July, August, September
Tennessee – July, August, September
Alabama – June, July, August, September
Nevada – June, July, August, September, October, and November
Michigan – August, September, and October
Wisconsin – August, September, and October
North Florida – March, April, May, June, July, August
South Florida – June, July, August, September
Arkansas – July, August, September
Texas – May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Connecticut – August, September, October
Pennsylvania – July, August, September, October
Kansas – June, July, August, September, October
Massachusetts – August, September, and October
Missouri – June, July, August, September, October
Georgia – June, July, August, September
Maryland – July, August, September, October
Mississippi – June, July, and August
Indiana – July, August, September, October
North Carolina – July, August
Colorado – September, October
Ohio – August, September, October
Wyoming – August, September
South Carolina – June, July, September, October
Maine – August, September
Iowa – June, July, August
Minnesota – August, September
California – July, August, September, October, and November
Delaware – July, August, September, October
Rhode Island – July, August, September, October
Idaho – June, July, August
New Mexico – July, August, September
West Virginia – August, September
Alaska – none
Louisiana – June, July, August, September, October, November
Montana – August, September
Oklahoma – June, July, August, September, October
Kentucky – August, September
Illinois – June, July, August, September
Nebraska – July, August, September, October
South Dakota – August, September
Where Are Most Watermelons Grown In The US?
The main states that grow watermelons are California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
While all states (except for Alaska) have watermelon seasons, you may notice that a lot of watermelons are imported from one of the four states mentioned above!
Picking The Perfect Watermelon
Watermelons should feel heavy for their size, and they should have a wonderful, deep green color.
Avoid the melons with white spots on them, but you should always expect a creamy or yellow area on the bottom of it (where it was on the ground).
The perfect watermelon should sound hollow when you tap it. Avoid melons that have mushy or soft spots, as well as ones that have a dull sound to them.
Should You Pick Ripe Or Unripe Watermelons At The Store?
Only ever pick a ripe watermelon at the store! Once a watermelon has been harvested, it will not continue to ripen at all.
This means that if you pick an unripe watermelon, it will never ripen.
Only get ripe, hollow-sounding ones that are not rotting or damaged.
If you don’t and leave your watermelon to ripen on the counter, you could be waiting a long time… until it inevitably rots and never ripens.
How To Store Watermelon Properly
Depending on whether your watermelon has been prepared or not, your method for storage will differ.
Here’s what you need to know about storing your watermelon properly so that you can get the most out of these delicious fruits:
Whole fruit – ideally, you should cover whole melons with some plastic wrap or something similar to ensure that the fruit does not lose any moisture.
Not only that but doing this will prevent any unpleasant odors from seeping into the fruit, which could alter the flavor! You should be able to keep your whole watermelon at room temperature for two weeks, but this could vary depending on the climate.
Halved fruit – if you have cut your watermelon in half, you need to cover the exposed part at the very least. You can use plastic wrap to do this, or something like a silicone lid. Store it in the fridge once cut, and you will extend the life of this delightful fruit. It should keep for up to a week, but this might depend on other factors.
Sliced fruit – sliced or chopped watermelon needs to be stored in an airtight container (or sealable bag) in the fridge until you use it. Try to use the fruit within 3–4 days, but it may last up to a week depending on a number of factors.
Freezing fruit – you could also chop your watermelon into slices or chunks and freeze it for up to six months. The longer you leave it, the more the food will deteriorate, but it will always be safe for as long as it is frozen.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon season differs around the country. However, it is generally seen as being between May and September. The best time to get watermelons is usually in July, right at the peak of the season.
Remember to only get ripe watermelons if you are getting them from a store. They will not ripen on your counter once they have been picked!
If you grow your own watermelons, make sure to only pick them once they are ripe (hollow). Then, you will have a fantastic watermelon to enjoy on those hot summer days.
Hello, my name is Valentina and I am the founder or ‘grower’ as I like to call myself of BonitaFruitTrees.com.
Cultivating my own fruit trees is definitely my passion, and has been for such a long time.
That’s what made me want to make this website. I wanted to create a place where I could share my experiences with others, teach more people how to grow fruit trees, and just help them have a little fun with it.
