MORGAN HILL, CA - For the third year in a row, Sakata Seed America has contributed to the National Watermelon Association. In addition to a monetary contribution, Sakata donated over 50,000 young watermelon plants for auctions at the National Convention, as well as four other regional shows, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina conventions. 

According to a press release, winners of the auctions will receive 10,000 young triploid watermelon plants, with the choice of either Bold Ruler or Affirmed. Plants will be shipped through Sakata’s recently launched Watermelon Plant Program for the Southeast. 

Past Winners of the Watermelon Plant Auction Include:

• National Watermelon Association Convention Winner: Mike Horrall of Melon Acres in Oaktown, IN
• Florida Watermelon Association Winner: Melon 1 in Brooklyn, NY
• Georgia Watermelon Association: Johnny Davis of D&D Farms in Lenox, GA
• Alabama Watermelon Association: Rantz Smith of Smith Farms in Trenton, FL
• South Carolina Watermelon Association: Bradley O’Neal of Coosaw Farms in Fairfax, SC

So far, over $10,000 has been raised for regional watermelon associations through the donated plants. The next auction will be held March 13th and 14th in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina for the North Carolina Watermelon Association’s Annual Convention. Another 10,000 plants will be auctioned to the highest bidder and will raise money for the North Carolina Watermelon Association. 

“We’re proud to support the National Watermelon Association through continued partnership and other contributions. They play a crucial role in bringing the industry together and putting the grower first – two concepts that are paramount to Sakata,” says Gattis Guffey, Senior Manager of Sakata’s watermelon program. 

In addition to the auction, Sakata Seed America has also announced a completely redesigned, consumer-facing SunPatiens website intended to bring colorful and fun inspiration and information to SunPatiens consumers. 

“We want to help consumers understand all of the benefits of SunPatiens compared to traditional New Guinea impatiens, and inspire them to use SunPatiens wherever and however possible; SunPatiens are vibrant and versatile, and we want to spread the word! We also want our suppliers to know that we are doing our part to support SunPatiens in every way we can,” said Alecia Troy, Sakata’s Senior Marketing Manager.

The new website launched March 1^st and houses everything that a SunPatiens consumer would want and need to know, according to a press release.

Sakata Seed America

National Watermelon Association