Watermelon cultivation in Spain: history, area and nutritional keys for profitable production
Watermelon cultivation, boosted by its growing year-round demand, is no longer solely a summer activity for growers with suitable soil. While not particularly demanding in terms of management, it does require a balanced supply of water and nutrients to achieve optimal yield.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the most important summer horticultural crops in Spainboth in terms of production volume and commercial value. Its cultivation is particularly prominent in warm climate zones, where technology, irrigation management, and plant nutrition play a decisive role in final profitability.
Within the national context, the Almería province It has established itself as one of the main production benchmarks, thanks to early greenhouse cultivation and its export orientation.
Area cultivated with watermelon in Spain
According to the latest official data from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)The area dedicated to watermelon cultivation in Spain is around 20.000–22.000 hectaresconsidering both open-field and greenhouse cultivation.
Approximate distribution by Autonomous Communities
| Autonomous community | Estimated area (ha) | predominant system |
| Andalucía | ~8.000–9.000 ha | Outdoors / Greenhouse |
| Castilla la Mancha | ~4.500 hectares | Fresh air |
| Murcia | ~3.500 hectares | Fresh air |
| Valencian Community | ~2.500 hectares | Fresh air |
| Estremadura | ~1.500 hectares | Fresh air |
| Total Spain | ~20.000–22.000 ha |
The importance of Almería in watermelon cultivation
Province Almeria It is key to the national production of watermelon, especially because of its early cultivation under greenhousewhich allows for earlier harvests compared to other producing areas, supplying other European markets during times of high demand, obtaining better prices and guaranteeing a homogeneous and high-quality production.
The Almería model combines climate control, precise fertigation, and specific nutritional programsThis makes watermelon one of the most strategic crops of the spring-summer season.
Climate and soil requirements for watermelon cultivation
Watermelon is a heat-demanding crop that is very sensitive to water and nutrient stress. For optimal growth, it requires 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. Sunny weather is crucial during the flowering stage, both to promote flower development and to stimulate pollination. If the area receives too much shade, the fruit will be smaller and of lower quality. That said, although it requires many hours of sunlight, excessive exposure to sunlight can cause heat stress in the crop.
Climate
- Optimum temperature: 22–30ºC
- Very sensitive to temperatures below 14ºC. Planting is not recommended until the risk of frost has passed.
- High demand for solar radiation
- It needs good ventilation in the greenhouse
Land
- Loamy or sandy loam texture
- Fertile, nutrient-rich soils
- Excellent drainage
- optimal pH between 6 and 7,5
- Good level of organic matter
- During the flowering stage, the relative humidity should be between 60-80%.
A well-structured soil promotes root development and efficient absorption of water and nutrients.
Regarding the sowing time, the soil temperature should be warm enough to ensure seed germination, that is, around 18ºC.
Stages of watermelon cultivation and agronomic management
Transplanting and rooting
Critical phase to ensure a good start to the crop.
- Rapid root implantation
- Transplant stress reduction
- Crop uniformity
Vegetative development
The watermelon develops a large mass of foliage and vines.
- Balance between growth and production
- Avoid excess nitrogen
- Good plant aeration
Flowering and fruit set
Key moment that determines the final production.
- High sensitivity to thermal stress
- Importance of calcium and boron
- Need for biostimulation to ensure fruit set
Fruit fattening and ripening
Determine the commercial quality.
- Potassium for size and sugar content
- Calcium for firmness
- Micronutrients to prevent physiological disorders
Importance of preventive management in watermelon
Watermelon cultivation, especially in intensive systems like those in Almería, requires a preventive approach:
- Reduction of physiological stress
- Greater production continuity
- More homogeneous fruits
- Improved performance and final quality
Well-planned nutrition is key to sustaining high levels of production.
Strategic products for this type of cultivation
Recommended nutritional program for watermelon cultivation
Cultifort recommends a specific nutritional program, adapted to the rapid growth and high physiological demands of watermelon.
- Microvital-L: promotes a vigorous and even start.
- Cultifort Mix: balanced supply of essential micronutrients.
- BVC Evolution: high potassium content for caliber, color and shine.
- Cultimar Plus: stimulates the vegetative-generative balance with natural bionutrients.
- Foliton: stimulates plant metabolism and crop development.
- Ferkolor: improves fruit quality and prevents physiological disorders caused by calcium and potassium.
- Spiralis Eco Long Life: improves firmness and post-harvest preservation.
- setter: improves fruit set, vigor and quality.
- Rizza: stimulates root growth and improves nutrient absorption.
- Cultifort Calcium: improves fruit quality and soil structure.
- Oxifort: It provides oxygen to the soil, improving biology, aeration and nitrification.
- Cultifort Desal: It reduces salinity and provides calcium to improve soil and crops.
Integrating these solutions into a balanced fertilization program allows increase production, improve quality and reduce losses throughout the entire crop cycle.