Watermelon is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing period, making the decision to purchase a starter plant a strategic one for gardeners. Buying a plant rather than starting from seed offers a significant head start, which is particularly beneficial in regions with shorter summers. Transplants also offer greater reliability, especially for gardeners attempting to grow specialized types, such as seedless varieties, which can be challenging to germinate.
Local Retail Sources
Gardeners looking for immediate purchase options will find watermelon plants at various physical locations as the weather warms. Local, independent nurseries often provide the highest quality starter plants and are an excellent source for expert advice specific to your microclimate. These specialized retailers may also carry unique or heirloom varieties that are well-adapted to local growing conditions. Purchasing from these smaller businesses often means the plants have received more individualized care.
Large chain garden centers offer convenience and bulk availability, making them easy to access for most gardeners. Their selection is often limited to the most popular hybrid varieties, but they provide a reliable, high-volume source of transplants once the planting season begins. Checking seasonal pop-up stands or farmers’ markets can also yield viable plants supplied by smaller local growers. The downside is that plants may have been handled roughly or exposed to suboptimal conditions, requiring careful inspection before purchase.
Mail-Order and Online Vendors
Purchasing watermelon transplants through mail-order vendors is the best option for sourcing specific or hard-to-find varieties. Specialty online plant companies curate diverse selections, including heirloom, bush, or unique yellow-flesh watermelons not stocked locally. These vendors typically ship plants in a dormant or semi-dormant state, timed to arrive near your region’s safe planting date based on your hardiness zone. This remote purchasing allows access to a greater range of genetics than what is available on local shelves.
A consideration with shipped plants is the potential for transplant shock and the need for a process called “hardening off.” Plants grown in a protected greenhouse environment are not immediately ready for the intense sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations of an outdoor garden. You must gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions over several days, starting with a few hours of filtered light and protection from harsh elements. This gradual acclimatization is essential to prevent the collapse of the tender foliage and ensure survival.
Ensuring a Healthy Purchase
Proper timing is the most important factor when buying a watermelon plant. Watermelons are extremely sensitive to cold, so planting should not occur until all danger of frost has passed. The soil temperature is a more accurate indicator than the air temperature; the ground should register a consistent 65°F to 70°F at the depth of planting before the transplant is placed outdoors. Planting too early will stunt the plant’s growth.
When visually inspecting plants, look for a compact, sturdy stem and foliage that is uniformly dark green, indicating robust health. Avoid “leggy” plants, which have long, weak stems from being stretched for light. Carefully check the undersides of leaves and stem junctions for any signs of common pests, such as aphids, or yellowing, which could indicate disease. A healthy plant should not be severely rootbound, meaning the roots circle tightly inside the container, inhibiting proper establishment.
After the purchase, water the plant immediately and keep it in a protected, brightly lit area before transplanting it into the garden. If you must wait a few days to plant, ensure the soil in the pot remains consistently moist without being soggy.