Seed growers' initial estimates suggest that the cultivated areas for watermelon and melon will increase in the 2025/2026 season.
The watermelon area is expected to grow by 9%, increasing from 8,520 to 9,266 hectares. The Levante region is the main contributor to this growth, with a 10% increase to 7,029 hectares, while the Poniente region experiences a 5% rise to 2,237 hectares. For melons, the growth is more gradual, with a 4% increase forecasted in the Poniente, where the area will reach 2,662 hectares.
This increase is mainly due to issues with autumn/winter crops. Despite good prices, the widespread presence of diseases is prompting many growers to choose watermelon and melon for the upcoming season, Asaja Almeria stated.
© Asaja
Fruit set issues with early transplants
The initial transplants are experiencing some fruit setting issues, influenced by weather conditions and pollinator activity. More detailed data on this situation will be available next week.
Estimates for outdoor watermelon crops indicate that the acreage will be similar to last season in Almeria, around 2,750 hectares, with a slight decline in Castile-La Mancha.
With more area in the field and the first plantations already underway, the 2025/2026 season is starting to take shape. Asaja reminds us that the next few weeks will be crucial in confirming whether the forecasts are accurate.
For more information:
ASAJA Almeria
https://asajaalmeria.org
