However, profits can be very small due to intense competition at the market. Per acre costs in south Florida are typically more than twice as high as the north Florida estimates. However, the earlier marketing season can provide south Florida producers with prices two to three times as high as prices available to north Florida watermelon growers. Suitability Optimum pH range for watermelon production is 6.0 to 6.5. Watermelon seeds planted in very acid soils germinate but generally die before the second or third leaves develop.
Young plants are very tender and easily injured by frost.
To reduce frost losses from early plantings a second seeding can be made about one week after the first with seeds a few inches from the original planting. The time between planting and harvest depends primarily on temperatures and cultivars. Sandy soils that warm up earlier in the spring also reduce the time required for seedling emergence. Portable, overhead sprinkler irrigation systems are used extensively except in south Florida where seepage irrigation is possible. The amount of seed required depends upon seed size, germination and plant spacing.