Yes! The unusual square watermelons that got their start in Japan in 2001 is not a fad.
Internet myth-buster, Snopes.com, says that the claim is true.
Clever Japanese farmers forced their watermelons to grow into a square shape by inserting them into square, tempered glass cases while they are still growing on the vine.
The technique actually has practical applications. "The reason they're doing this in Japan is because of lack of space," said Samantha Winters of the National Watermelon Promotion Board in Orlando, Florida.
A fat, round watermelon can take up a lot of room in a refrigerator, and the usually round fruit often sits awkwardly on refrigerator shelves.
Here are expert tips for growing watermelons in your own garden shared by BonniePlants.com.