Welcome to Farmers Centre

The Ultimate Guide to Watermelon Farming in Kenya

Watermelon farming in Kenya has become one of the most profitable agribusiness ventures due to increasing market demand, short maturity period, and favorable tropical climate. In this guide, we explore the ideal climate for watermelon farming, best seed varieties, key practices, yield expectations, and potential income from one acre.

✅ Ideal Climate and Soil Conditions

Watermelon grows best in warm areas with temperatures between 22°C and 35°C. It requires at least 3 months of dry, sunny weather. Rainfall during fruiting can lead to cracking or fungal infections. Watermelons thrive in well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.

🌱 Popular Watermelon Seed Varieties in Kenya

• Crimson Sweet: Most popular variety, sweet red flesh, matures in 80–90 days.

• Sugar Baby: Small-fruited type, very sweet, early maturing (75 days).

• Charleston Gray: Oval-shaped, thick rind, good for transport.

• Pato F1 / Sukari F1: Hybrid varieties with higher yields and disease resistance.

🧑‍🌾 Key Farm Practices in Watermelon Farming

• Land Preparation: Deep ploughing and fine harrowing to improve drainage and root penetration.

• Planting: Direct seeding with a spacing of 1.5m between rows and 1m between plants.

• Manure and Fertilizer: Apply well-decomposed manure and DAP at planting. Top dress with CAN or NPK.

• Weed Control: Manual weeding or use of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pest and Disease Management: Spray against aphids, thrips, powdery mildew, and anthracnose.

• Irrigation: Essential during dry periods. Drip irrigation is ideal for moisture consistency.

• Harvesting: Maturity signs include drying tendrils near the fruit stem and dull-sounding thump.

📊 Expected Yield per Acre

Under good conditions, a farmer can harvest between 15,000 to 30,000 kg (15–30 tonnes) per acre. Hybrid varieties like Sukari F1 may yield more than 30 tonnes with proper care.

💰 Estimated Income from 1 Acre

• Average Yield: 20,000 kg (20 tonnes)

• Market Price: KES 25 per kg (average)

• Gross Income: KES 500,000

• Estimated Costs (inputs, labor, irrigation): KES 120,000–180,000

• Net Profit: KES 300,000–380,000

📦 Market Opportunities

Watermelons are in high demand in local markets, supermarkets, hotels, and export markets. Peak demand occurs during dry seasons (January–March, August–October).

🧠 Final Thoughts

Watermelon farming in Kenya offers high returns when done right. Choose the right seeds, follow good agricultural practices, and monitor market prices. With consistent effort, even small-scale farmers can turn this into a sustainable agribusiness.

Want help sourcing quality seeds or agro-inputs? Contact Farmers Centre Ltd for expert support.