Your comments and tips

23 Oct 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

When they have produced a good root system. Wait until they have several leaves. Important to keep as much soil in contact with the roots as possible when planting out. Try and protect them from the sun for the first week. In future plant in a little pot like a 500 gm margarine container with a few holes in the bottom to let water drain out. When they are about 3-4 weeks old plant out. If no frosts you can plant directly into the soil.

Reply or Post a new comment

11 Oct 18, Jo (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Planted watermelon seeds late last summer,didnt grow. Now they are sprouting but stem red colour after second leaf. Is this normal?

Reply or Post a new comment

12 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Best tasting melons are grown in the spring here. I don't know about the red stem stuff. They will start picking them here in about a months time. I LOVE EM.

Reply or Post a new comment

30 Apr 18, Sandy (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

I sowed my watermelon in mid summer and it's still growing. I'm wondering if it will actually fruit in Auckland this time of year. Should I leave it or remove and try again next summer?

Reply or Post a new comment

17 Sep 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Plant earlier. If no fruit developing when it starts flowering check for bees. Should have fruit developing by 10-12 weeks. Hand pollinate if no bees.

Reply or Post a new comment

08 May 18, Andrea (New Zealand - temperate climate)

It's frustrating, because the growth is promising, but it won't ripen any fruit that form in the cold weather. Rip it out and start again in spring : )

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Nov 17, Toni (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Has anyone growen watermelons in Wellington?

Reply or Post a new comment

28 Dec 17, Uta (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I'm growing them for the first time, in Manawatu. So far with the heat and sun we've been having they're doing well. But they'll need a long season, so fingers crossed. My first transplant died in the wind, so shelter is important, in Wellington too :-)

Reply or Post a new comment

26 Jan 18, Sally (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I’m in the Manawatu also and have 5 watermelons on my plant, never had success before, it’s been so hot that I’m thrilled to have fruit!! Hope yours have been a success too.

Reply or Post a new comment

22 Feb 19, Ane (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I'm in Manawatu as well and have 2 plants growing, each have about 6-8 melons. A couple of them are almost the size of a netball and the rest are slightly larger then a tennis ball. Fingers crossed they keep growing:)

Reply or Post a new comment