The 2013 Florida watermelon growing season has posed some significant obstacles for this year’s crop. An unseasonably cold March may cut production in Central and South Florida by 50%.
In January, temperatures were above average in the regions, raising the possibility of an early crop. However, March brought record lows that killed some plants and arrested growth of the survivors, according to area growers. When temperatures warmed up, many weakened plants succumbed to diseases, as reported by the Herald-Tribune.
Growers estimate that the icy March conditions will cut watermelon yields in half over the South and Central Florida growing areas.
"Because yields are so low, we'll be lucky to get back our investment in the crop," Mack Chandler, VP of Mack Farms and President and Chairman of the Florida Watermelon Association. "Most Florida watermelon growers will be lucky to break even this year."
Florida Watermelon Report
