Rush Springs, Oklahoma, is known for its title as the Watermelon Capital of the World, and the town recently set a new state record with the largest watermelon ever grown in Oklahoma, weighing an impressive 268 pounds. Garrin Bratcher, the head of Bratcher Melons and a lifelong resident of Rush Springs, shared his experience of growing the massive fruit. After working with his family to grow nine giant watermelons, including the record-breaking Dump Truck Donna, they proudly brought the title back to their hometown.
Bratcher explained that the journey to grow such large watermelons starts months in advance, with soil preparation beginning as early as October. While celebrating the achievement at the Oklahoma State Fair, he expressed that he’s not done yet he’s aiming to grow a 300-pound watermelon, which would be the first of its size west of the Mississippi. For Bratcher, growing watermelons is more than just a job; it’s a deep-rooted passion that’s part of the community’s identity.
The legacy of watermelon farming in Rush Springs, which gets passed down through generations, continues to shape the town’s culture and agricultural pride.