Watermelon 'Patio Sweetie'Citrullus lanatus

Pot up young melon plants and grow them on until they are large enough to be transplanted. Maintain a minimum temperature of 15c (60F) and keep the compost moist but not wet.

When melon plants are well grown, transplant them at a spacing of 2 plants per growbag or 1m (3’) apart under frost free glass, or into frames or cloches outdoors.

When growing melons outdoors cover the soil 3-4 weeks before planting with a plastic mulch. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before transplanting into warm, well drained, humus rich soil in full sun, with shelter from winds. Plant in single rows at a distance of 50-90cm (20-36") apart leaving 2m (6’) between rows. Pull a little soil around each plant to keep it from touching the plastic mulch. Water well after planting until melons are fully established.

For more information and guidance check out our Gardening Guides.

Watermelon plants should be allowed to spread flat on the ground. Pinch out the growing point after 5 leaves have formed to encourage lateral shoots to develop. Select 4 vigorous laterals and train these to 6 leaf stage, before pinching out each growing tip. Remove any other laterals. Fruiting sub laterals will then form on each stem.

Water melon plants regularly, particularly as the flowers develop, and provide a liquid feed every 10-14 days. Shade plants from strong direct sunlight. As the flowers develop, select 4 or 5 female flowers on each plant and hand pollinate them by placing a male flower inside each female bloom. Female melon flowers are identified by a swollen part at the base of the bloom. Once fruit has set remove any further flowers to allow the fruits to develop. Harvest watermelons when they produce a hollow sound when tapped.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large Non-standard items may incur a higher, lorry delivery charge. Charges will be calculated at checkout, but an example of the lorry charges are listed below.

• Red - £9.99.
• Purple - £2.99.

For more information please visit our delivery charges information page by clicking here.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.