Watermelon Capital of the World: Watermelons are a classic summer treat. They grow well in warm, sunny places, especially where temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. People usually plant the seeds in late spring, and most watermelons are harvested from June to August. Today, China is the world's largest producer of watermelons. It is also one of the countries that eats the most watermelon in the world. Have you ever wondered which city is called the watermelon capital of the world? In this article, we'll explore the history, the well-known festivals, and the reasons this city is known for watermelons.
Which City Is The Watermelon Capital Of The World?
Cordele, Georgia, is officially called the Watermelon Capital of the World. This small city in Crisp County earned its name by growing and shipping more watermelons than any other place in the United States. In 2026, Georgia is still a leading producer, with over 6.6 million hundredweight of fruit each year. Cordele's success comes from its great climate, where watermelons grow well in sandy soil and steady temperatures between 24°C and 32°C. The city is a key hub, sending millions of pounds of fruit across the U.S. and Canada.
7 Lesser-Known Facts About the Watermelon Capital of the World
- Most Cordele watermelons are seedless. They are created by crossing plants with 22 and 44 chromosomes, resulting in a sterile fruit with 33 chromosomes.
- A Cordele watermelon is 92% water. Logistically, shipping them is like transporting thousands of gallons of "structured, flavoured water".
- Farmers use black plastic to absorb solar radiation. This maintains a soil temperature of 21°C, accelerating seed germination.
- Botanically, watermelons are cousins to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash, though we treat them as fruit.
- Red watermelons contain 40% more lycopene than raw tomatoes, making them a superior source of this antioxidant.
- For one fruit to reach market size, a honeybee must visit the female flower 7 to 10 times to ensure full pollination.
- Since 1949, the Watermelon Days Festival has celebrated this harvest. June 2026 marks its 77th anniversary.
Why is Cordele Called The Watermelon Capital of the world?
Cordele, Georgia, is known for its large watermelon production and its specialised farming facilities. Thanks to its climate, soil, and long history, the city has become the main shipping centre for watermelons in the United States.
| Factor | Description |
| Production Volume | Georgia produces over 6.6 million CWT (hundredweight) of watermelon annually, with Cordele/Crisp County leading the state's output. |
| Shipping & Export | Cordele serves as a major logistics hub, exporting millions of pounds of fruit. During peak season, hundreds of trucks depart daily for the U.S. and Canada. |
| Ideal Climate | Farmers maintain a strict growing environment with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C and soil warmed to 21°C using specialised mulch. |
| Economic Impact | In 2026, the retail value of these watermelons remains strong at $1.50–$2.00 per pound, injecting millions into the local economy. |
| Water Content | Every fruit shipped is 92% water, requiring precise temperature-controlled logistics to ensure freshness during transit. |
| Historical Legacy | The city has officially celebrated its status through the Watermelon Days Festival since 1949, marking 77 years of tradition in 2026. |
| Genetic Expertise | Cordele specialises in triploid hybrids (seedless), utilising plants with 22, 33, and 44 chromosomes to meet high market demand. |
What Town Is Famous For Watermelons?
Cordele, Georgia, is best known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World" because it leads the country in production and shipping. Hope, Arkansas, is also famous for growing melons that weigh over 200 pounds, setting world records. Rush Springs, Oklahoma, stands out for its huge annual festival, which draws more than 20,000 people to celebrate the local watermelon harvest.
Where Is The Watermelon Capital Of The World?
The official "Watermelon Capital of the World" is Cordele, Georgia, located in Crisp County. It earned this designation because it grows and ships more watermelons than any other single area in the nation. In 2026, the city remains the industry leader, supported by its state-of-the-art Farmer's Market and the annual Watermelon Days Festival, a tradition that has thrived since 1949.
Which Country Is Famous For Watermelon?
China is the most famous country for watermelons, functioning as the global industry titan. In 2026, China accounts for roughly 60-63% of the world's total production, harvesting over 63 million tonnes. The fruit is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture and is often used as a gesture of hospitality.
Which Country Loves Watermelon The Most?
China eats the most watermelon of any country overall, but people in Algeria eat the most per person, with nearly 49 kg each year. Turkey is also known for its high per-person consumption, at 37 kg per person. In these places, watermelon is a popular way to stay hydrated in the heat because it is 92% water and very affordable.
What Country Is Watermelon Originally From?
Watermelon first grew in Northeastern Africa, in what is now Sudan. Archaeologists have found that ancient Egyptians were growing watermelons more than 4,000 years ago, and pictures of the fruit appear in their tombs. The earliest watermelons were often bitter, but farmers in the Nile Valley gradually bred them to be sweet and red, like the ones we eat today.
Who Is The Largest Exporter Of Watermelon?
Spain and Mexico lead the world in watermelon exports. Spain supplies most of the European market, shipping about 790,000 tonnes each year. Mexico mainly serves the United States, which imports over 800,000 tonnes to meet its needs. These trade routes help ensure people in cooler regions can enjoy watermelons all year.
Where Is The Sweetest Watermelon In The World?
The Densuke Watermelon is grown only on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and is known for its especially sweet, luxurious flavour. These rare, black-skinned melons have more sugar than regular watermelons. Because they are hard to find and taste so sweet, they are highly valued, with the best ones often selling for more than $6,000 at special auctions.
