Watermelons are simply great and growing them in the home garden is becoming increasingly popular. Pre-grown seedlings that you can plant directly are great for beginners and those in a hurry. We explain what is important when you want to buy a pre-grown watermelon.
Buy watermelon: Pre-grown seedlings or grow your own from seeds?
Watermelons originate from West Africa, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Accordingly, the exotic plants love it nice and warm and sunny. Until now, the annual plants were not so easy to grow in our latitudes. However, there are now many varieties that are more robust and you can plant them in your garden in a greenhouse or even outdoors. Note: a sunny spot is a prerequisite for many delicious melons!
Grow watermelons: from seeds
There are basically two options for this. Option 1 is to grow watermelon plants from seeds yourself. This is great fun, but requires a little skill, knowledge and, most importantly, time. You also need to have the right space and equipment, as watermelon needs warm temperatures and plenty of light. Sowing is done already in the spring and the young plants are then planted out after the Ice Saints in May.
Growing watermelons: pre-cultivated plants
You do not dare to sow at home and do not have the space and time? Then, fortunately, there is the second option: buy and plant already pre-pulled watermelons.
This has the advantage that the plants can be planted directly in their intended place after purchase. In addition, the small watermelons are then already somewhat larger and more robust. They are more forgiving of beginner mistakes in care than a small, much more fragile seedling. We have summarized instructions for planting watermelons for you in this article.
Eyes open when buying watermelons
This is what healthy watermelons look like
You can recognize healthy plants by the fact that they already have several lobed leaves. These should be juicy green and have no spots or damage on the edges. It is perfect if new small shoots and buds are already visible. Hanging, yellow or dropped leaves, on the contrary, are not a sign of good health. Such plants should be avoided.
Look at the underside of the leaves and take a close look at the stems and leaf axils: Have pests, such as aphids, spread here? Most of the time, they are found in exactly these places. Powdery mildew, a whitish or grayish coating on the leaves, also occurs relatively frequently.
Buying watermelon: Where can I find the perfect plant?
Once you have decided to cultivate watermelons and buy pre-pulled watermelons, the only thing missing is the right plants. Where is the best place to buy your watermelon?
Buying watermelon: On-site at a specialty store.
You can either buy them locally or online. Which you choose depends entirely on your preferences. The only important thing is that you buy them in a specialized store, that is, a reputable nursery. You can often find pre-pulled watermelons in supermarkets and hardware stores, which are much cheaper to buy. However, they usually have very long transport routes behind them and can also not be professionally cared for in the store.
As a result, the plants are often weakened and are attacked by pests and diseases in their new home, or even worse – they die. You experience a real culture shock, which the plants can not always cope with.
Buy watermelon: online
Locally, you can take a closer look at the leaves, but plants ordered online also have their advantages. If you don’t have a good nursery nearby or don’t have time to drive there, buying online is a great option. You can compare prices at your leisure and browse for the best variety for you.
Inspect the plants carefully after unpacking. It can happen that the plants are a little weakened by the transport and the leaves droop a little. This is normal when it is very warm outside. Give the plants a generous sip of water and put them in a bright place for a few days, out of direct sunlight. Then, in an emergency, watermelon will recover quite quickly and can be planted.
I have 30 years of experience and i started this website to see if i could try and share my knowledge to help you.
With a degree a Horticulture BSc (Hons)
I have worked as a horticulture specialist lead gardener, garden landscaper, and of course i am a hobby gardener at home in my own garden.
Please if you have any questions leave them on the article and i will get back to you personally.
