Essential Information

Watermelons , asummer staple , are renowned for their juicy , fresh fleshand sweet smell . While traditionally grown in sprawling fields , it ’s all potential to work thesedelectable fruitsin the confines of your own home or apartment . This comprehensive template will provide you with footstep - by - step instructions on how to originate watermelon in pots from seeds , ensuring a bountiful harvest home in your limited gardening space .

Choosing the Right Watermelon Variety

Not all watermelon miscellany are suited for container gardening . choose for compact , bush - type varieties such as ‘ Sugar Baby ‘ , ‘ Crimson Sweet ’ , or ‘ Bush Sugar Baby ’ . Thesevarieties produce smaller fruitsthat are idealistic for pot cultivation .

Selecting the Perfect Pot

watermelon require ample space for their all-inclusive source system . Choose a pot that is at least 18 in in diameter and 12inches deep . Ensure the pot hasdrainage holesto foreclose waterlogging .

Preparing the Potting Mix

Fill the pot with a well - draining potting mix specifically designedfor containers . Add some compost oraged manureto enhance soil fertility .

Planting the Seeds

Sow thewatermelon seeds1inch deepinto the potting mixture . industrial plant two seeded player in each pot , spacing them 6 in aside . Cover theseeds lightlywith soil and water exhaustively .

Germination and Seedling Care

Watermelon seeds germinate best at temperature between 70 - 80 ° F ( 21 - 27 ° C ) . Keep thesoil systematically moistbut not soggy . Onceseedlings come forth , thin them out to the strongest one per sight .

Watering and Fertilizing

Watermelons require veritable watering , especially during live , teetotal weather . Water deeply , permit the territory todry slightlybetween waterings . Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer .

Sunlight Requirements

Watermelons expand infull sun . site the pots in a location that receives at least 6 hours ofdirect sunlightper day .

Pollination

Citrullus vulgaris are monoecious , meaning they have both virile andfemale flowerson the same plant . However , transverse - pollination is necessary forfruit set . Toencourage pollenation , gently shake the plants or utilise a soft brush to channelize pollen from male to female flower .

Trellising

As thewatermelon vines grow , provide supportby trellising them . This will keep the yield off the primer coat andprevent disease . Use stakes , cages , or trellis to guide the vines upwards .

Harvesting

Citrullus vulgaris are quick to harvest when therind turns dulland the undersurface of the fruit iscreamy yellow . Gently solicit the Citrullus vulgaris with your knuckles ; ahollow soundindicates ripeness .

Troubleshooting

yellow Leaves : This can be a sign of overwatering or nutrient want . Reduce watering frequency and inseminate the plant life on a regular basis . bloom End Rot : This is acalcium deficiencythat cause theblossom endof the fruit to rot . supply calcium to the grunge or use a Ca - based plant food . Powdery Mildew : Thisfungal diseasecan be prevent by provide good air travel circulation and avoiding overhead watering . cover affected plant life with a fungicide .

Basics You Wanted To Know

1 . Can Igrow watermelonin any pot?No , choose a raft that is at least 18 inches in diam and 12inches deepwith drainage holes.2 . How often should Iwater watermelonin pots?Water deeply , let the soil todry slightlybetween waterings.3 . Do I need to fertilize watermelon vine plants?Yes , fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.4 . How long does it take togrow watermelonin pots?From seminal fluid to glean , ittakes approximately80 - 100 days.5 . Can Igrow watermelonin pots indoors?Yes , butprovide ample sunlightand ensure upright air circulation .