ALBANY, Ga. - Cool temperatures and a lack of rain have slowed the growth of Georgia's $40 million watermelon crop, but the melons should recover by the Fourth of July and may be even sweeter than usual, experts say.

Georgia is a major watermelon supplier for Fourth of July picnics, when demand for the fruit peaks. Florida growers are already harvesting their crop, and Georgia's season will run from early June to the end of July.

The nation's leading watermelon states are Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona, but the fruit is also grown in 39 other states.

Below-average temperatures in March and early April put Georgia's melons behind schedule, but the fruit should make a quick recovery with the arrival of showers and warm, sunny days, said horticulturist Terry Kelley, a University of Georgia watermelon specialist.

Most growers have irrigation systems to provide adequate moisture during droughts. Those without irrigation had to delay planting this spring, Kelley said.

"The peak harvest may come a little later," he said. "But consumers will see no real difference. There should be plenty of melons for the Fourth of July market."

Extremely wet springs and summers tend to increase disease problems and excessive rain can reduce sweetness, he said.

"It dilutes the sugars," said Kelley. "Plus, when it's raining, you don't have as much sunshine. Sunshine is where you get the sugar production."

Rebecca grower Bob Rawlings, president of the Georgia Watermelon Association, said his 100 acres are looking "pretty good," despite some wind damage in April.

Buddy Leger, a watermelon broker in Cordele, said Fourth of July shipments will begin about June 15.

"The early growing conditions were not the best," he said. "But for people who got the crop in early and had ample irrigation, the crop generally looks good and will be on time."

Georgia farmers plant between 27,000 and 28,000 acres of watermelons each year, but the 2004 crop may be larger because of strong prices last year, Kelley said.