View the Watermelon page

26 Apr 20 Phillip Bellis (Australia - tropical climate)

We are having a watermelon growing comp. at a school just out of Darwin. Seedlings are just a week old in pots. When would be the best time/age of seedlings to transplant. Weather is warm at 32-35 C and dry but being watered 2x a day. Thanks

Reply

27 Apr 20 Another gardener (Australia - tropical climate)

The leaves that come out on germination are called the cotyledons, then come the first true leaves. When you have the 3-4 set of true leaves transplant them. I grow things in 500gm margarine containers, when the seedlings have grown to the above stage (like about 100mm high and round) the soil in the container has lots of roots in it to hold the soil together when you take the plant out to transplant, try and keep that all in tact. Best to tip upside down into one hand gently. Don't over do the nitrogen - you will end up with a lot of vine.

Reply