Watermelon

Watermelons have an extremely high water content, somewhere in the region of 90%, and this is where their name comes from. The high water content makes for a refreshing snack in the summer, and because of its large size, it remains cool even after being removed from the refrigerator.

Watermelons are a very popular fruit and are widely cultivated around the world for consumers. China accounts for 70% of watermelon production, while Brazil, Turkey, and Iran are also key producers. In the United States, over 40 states are producing commercial watermelons, as they are able to be grown in a wide variety of climates as an annual plant, though they thrive in hotter climates.

Watermelons should be grown in well-draining soil as they are intolerant of soggy conditions. They grow on hairy vines which trail along the ground, producing hairy foliage and pale green flowers in July and August.

The plant itself is not particularly attractive and is considered a weed in some regions. However, it grows easily and is low-maintenance, making it an ideal addition to a fruit and vegetable garden. The watermelon takes longer than most other melons to reach maturity, with a growing period of around 90 days