Watermelon 'Mini Love' F1 Hybrid - SeedsCitrullus lanatus

Sow seed 2cm (3/4”) deep in 7.5cm (3”) pots of good seed compost at 21-25C (70-77F) from April to May. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag until after germination. After germination, 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. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out individually to grow up a wigwam structure, or 1.5m (5ft) apart each way in well-prepared soil after all risk of frost has passed.

For optimum performance, sow under glass, but seeds can also be sown directly outdoors once the soil has warmed.Do not sow in cold soils. Direct sow 2 seeds every 1.5m (5’) in late May. When germinated, thin out to the best seedling. Ideally grow under cloches until plants are established.

Melon plants can be trained upwards on strings or wires, or 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 melons 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 melons when they begin to produce their characteristic sweet smell and the fruits start to crack near to the stem.

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 items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

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