Where to Buy Watermelon Plants: A Guide to the Best Sources

AvatarByArthur Cook General Blog (Plants)

Watermelons: A Summertime Staple

Watermelons are a summertime staple, and for good reason. They’re refreshing, delicious, and packed with nutrients. But did you know that you can grow your own watermelon plants? It’s easier than you think, and it’s a great way to have fresh, homegrown watermelons all season long.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about growing watermelon plants, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting your crop. We’ll also provide tips on how to care for your plants and avoid common problems. So if you’re ready to start growing your own watermelons, read on!

Where to Buy Watermelon Plants

The first step to growing watermelon plants is to find the right seeds. You can find watermelon seeds at most garden centers and online retailers. When choosing seeds, look for a variety that is well-suited to your climate. If you’re not sure what variety to choose, ask a garden center employee for help.

You can also start your watermelon plants from seedlings. Seedlings are young plants that have been grown in a greenhouse or nursery. They’re a great option if you don’t have a lot of time to start your seeds from scratch.

When to Plant Watermelon Seeds

The best time to plant watermelon seeds is in early spring, after the last frost. If you live in a warm climate, you can also plant watermelon seeds in late summer or early fall.

When planting your seeds, make sure to space them about 2 feet apart. Watermelon plants need plenty of room to grow. You can also plant your seeds in hills, with 3-4 seeds per hill.

How to Care for Watermelon Plants

Watermelon plants need plenty of water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow properly. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather. Watermelon plants also need full sun to produce fruit. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide shade for your plants during the hottest parts of the day.

Fertilize your watermelon plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for watermelon plants.

Harvesting Watermelons

Watermelons are ready to harvest when they’re ripe. A ripe watermelon will have a yellow spot on the bottom and will sound hollow when you tap it. To harvest a watermelon, cut it from the vine with a sharp knife.

Watermelons can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Growing your own watermelon plants is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown watermelons all summer long.

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Website Price Shipping
Burpee $2.99-$10.99 $5.99
Gardeners.com $4.99-$12.99 $6.99
Home Depot $3.98-$11.98 $5.99

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Where to Buy Watermelon Plants?

Watermelons are a delicious and refreshing summer fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, growing watermelons from seed can be difficult, especially if you live in a climate with a short growing season. If you’re looking for an easier way to grow watermelons, you may want to consider buying watermelon plants instead.

There are a few different places where you can buy watermelon plants, including online retailers, local garden centers, and farmer’s markets. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Online Retailers

Online retailers offer a wide variety of watermelon plants to choose from, and you can often find them at a lower price than you would at a local garden center. However, it’s important to be aware of the shipping costs when ordering watermelon plants online. If you live in a cold climate, you may also need to pay for expedited shipping to ensure that the plants arrive in good condition.

Some of the most popular online retailers that sell watermelon plants include:

  • [Burpee](https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/watermelon/)
  • [Jungle Jim’s](https://www.junglejims.com/fruits-vegetables/watermelon/)
  • [Seed Savers Exchange](https://www.seedsavers.org/shop/watermelon-seeds)
  • [Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds](https://www.rareseeds.com/vegetables/watermelon/)

Pros of Buying Watermelon Plants Online

  • Wide variety of plants to choose from
  • Often lower prices than local garden centers
  • Convenient shipping

Cons of Buying Watermelon Plants Online

  • Shipping costs can be high
  • Plants may not arrive in good condition if you live in a cold climate
  • You may need to wait longer for your plants to arrive

Local Garden Centers

Local garden centers typically carry a limited selection of watermelon plants, but you can often find them at a better price than you would online. You can also get advice from the garden center staff on how to care for your watermelon plants.

Some of the most popular local garden centers that sell watermelon plants include:

  • [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/b/Garden-Outdoor-Living-Plants-Seeds/Watermelon/N-5yc1vZc448d)
  • [Lowe’s](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Burpee-Watermelon-Plant/1000280449)
  • [Ace Hardware](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lawn-and-garden/plants-and-seeds/vegetable-seeds/watermelon-seeds/4109570)
  • [True Value](https://www.truevalue.com/product/watermelon-plants-5pk-1495089157.html)

Pros of Buying Watermelon Plants from a Local Garden Center

  • Plants are often fresher than those sold online
  • You can get advice from the garden center staff on how to care for your watermelon plants
  • You can usually pick up your plants the same day

Cons of Buying Watermelon Plants from a Local Garden Center

  • Limited selection of plants
  • Higher prices than online retailers
  • You may need to wait for the garden center to get new plants in stock

Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets are another great place to buy watermelon plants. You can often find heirloom varieties of watermelons that are not available at other retailers. Farmer’s markets are also a great way to support local farmers.

Some of the most popular farmer’s markets that sell watermelon plants include:

  • [The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market](https://www.ferryplazafarmersmarket.org/)
  • [The Grand Central Market](https://www.grandcentralmarket.com/)
  • [The Hollywood Farmers Market](https://www.hollywoodfarmersmarket.com/)
  • [The Santa Monica Farmers Market](https://www.smfarmersmarket.com/)

Pros of Buying Watermelon Plants from a Farmer’s Market

  • Fresh, local produce
  • Heirloom varieties of watermelons
  • Support for local farmers

Cons of Buying Watermelon Plants from a Farmer’s Market

  • Limited selection of plants
  • Higher prices than online retailers
  • You may need to wait for the farmer’s market to open

Tips for Buying Watermelon Plants

When buying watermelon plants, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  • Size: Watermelon plants can grow to be

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a great place to buy watermelon plants. You can find a variety of different varieties of watermelons, and you can be sure that the plants are fresh and healthy.

List of farmers markets that sell watermelon plants:

  • [The Farmers Market at Fort Greene Park](https://www.fortgreenepark.org/farmers-market/)
  • [The Union Square Greenmarket](https://www.unionsquarenyc.org/greenmarket/)
  • [The Brooklyn Flea](https://www.brooklynflea.com/)
  • [The Chelsea Market](https://chelseamarket.com/)
  • [The Grand Central Market](https://www.grandcentralmarketnyc.com/)

Pros and cons of buying watermelon plants from a farmers market:

  • Pros:
  • You can find a variety of different varieties of watermelons.
  • The plants are fresh and healthy.
  • You can support local farmers.
  • Cons:
  • The plants may be more expensive than buying them from a nursery.
  • The plants may not be available in all areas.

Tips for buying watermelon plants from a farmers market:

  • Do your research: Before you go to the farmers market, do some research to find out what varieties of watermelons are available. This will help you narrow down your choices and make the most of your time.
  • Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the farmers questions about their plants. They can tell you about the variety, how to care for it, and when it will be ready to harvest.
  • Inspect the plants: Before you buy a watermelon plant, take a close look at it. Make sure it is healthy and free of pests or diseases.
  • Be prepared to pay a premium: Farmers market prices are typically higher than nursery prices. This is because farmers markets are a way for farmers to make a profit on their crops.

Growing Watermelon Plants from Seed

Growing watermelon plants from seed is a fun and rewarding experience. It is also a great way to save money on your gardening expenses.

How to grow watermelon plants from seed:

1. Start your seeds indoors. Watermelon seeds need warm soil to germinate, so it is best to start them indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. Plant your seeds in a well-draining potting mix. Watermelon seeds need a lot of space to grow, so plant them about 2 inches apart in individual pots or seed trays.
3. Water your seeds regularly. Watermelon seeds need to be kept moist in order to germinate. Water your seeds daily, or more often if the soil dries out quickly.
4. Place your seedlings in a sunny spot. Watermelon plants need a lot of sunlight to grow. Place your seedlings in a sunny spot in your home or greenhouse.
5. Transplant your seedlings outdoors when the weather is warm. Once the weather is warm and the last frost date has passed, you can transplant your seedlings outdoors. Plant your seedlings in a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil.
6. Water your plants regularly. Watermelon plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Water your plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
7. Fertilize your plants regularly. Watermelon plants need fertilizer to produce large, healthy fruits. Fertilize your plants every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
8. Harvest your watermelons when they are ripe. Watermelons are ripe when the rind is dark green and the skin has a dull, waxy appearance. The watermelon should also sound hollow when you tap it.

Tips for growing watermelon plants from seed:

  • Choose a variety that is suitable for your climate. There are many different varieties of watermelons, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for your climate. Some varieties are better suited for warm climates, while others are better suited for cool climates.
  • Start your seeds indoors early. Watermelon seeds need warm soil to germinate, so it is best to start them indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
  • Plant your seedlings in a sunny spot. Watermelon plants need a lot of sunlight to grow. Place your seedlings in a sunny spot in your home or greenhouse.
  • Water your plants regularly. Watermelon plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Water your plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
  • Fertilize your plants regularly. Watermelon plants need fertilizer to produce

    Where can I buy watermelon plants?

There are a few different places where you can buy watermelon plants. You can find them at:

  • Garden centers: Many garden centers carry a variety of watermelon plants, both seeded and grafted.
  • Nurseries: Nurseries often have a wider selection of watermelon plants than garden centers, and they may also carry more unusual varieties.
  • Online retailers: Online retailers offer a convenient way to buy watermelon plants, and they often have a wider selection than you’ll find at brick-and-mortar stores.

When choosing a watermelon plant, it’s important to consider the following factors:

  • Climate: Watermelon plants are warm-weather crops, so they need to be grown in a climate where the temperature stays above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the growing season.
  • Soil: Watermelon plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
  • Water: Watermelon plants need plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.

How much does a watermelon plant cost?

The cost of a watermelon plant varies depending on the variety, size, and source. Seeded watermelon plants typically cost less than grafted watermelon plants. Smaller plants are also less expensive than larger plants. You can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $10 for a watermelon plant.

When should I plant watermelon seeds?

The best time to plant watermelon seeds is when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is typically in late spring or early summer. If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to start your seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date.

How do I care for watermelon plants?

Watermelon plants need plenty of water, sunlight, and nutrients to grow well. Here are some tips for caring for your watermelon plants:

  • Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Fertilize your plants monthly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
  • Keep your plants free of weeds and pests.
  • Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

When will my watermelons be ready to harvest?

Watermelons are typically ready to harvest 80 to 90 days after planting. You can tell when a watermelon is ripe by looking for the following signs:

  • The rind will turn from green to yellow or orange.
  • The watermelon will feel heavy for its size.
  • The stem will start to turn brown.

How do I store watermelons?

Watermelons can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. To store them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Watermelons can also be frozen for up to six months.

What are some common problems with watermelon plants?

Watermelon plants can be affected by a number of pests and diseases, including:

  • Insects: Watermelon plants can be attacked by a variety of insects, including aphids, beetles, and mites.
  • Diseases: Watermelon plants can be infected by a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, and fusarium wilt.

To prevent problems with pests and diseases, it’s important to:

  • Plant your watermelon plants in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Water your plants regularly and fertilize them monthly.
  • Keep your plants free of weeds and pests.
  • Monitor your plants for signs of disease and treat them promptly if necessary.

    there are many different places to buy watermelon plants. The best place for you to buy a watermelon plant will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a local plant, your local nursery or garden center is a great option. If you are looking for a wider variety of plants to choose from, online retailers are a good option. And if you are looking for a unique or hard-to-find plant, specialty growers may be the best option for you.

No matter where you buy your watermelon plant, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable seller. With a little care and attention, your watermelon plant will produce delicious fruit for you to enjoy all summer long.

Here are some key takeaways from this content:

  • Watermelon plants can be grown in a variety of climates, but they do best in warm, sunny conditions.
  • Watermelon plants need plenty of water, so be sure to water them regularly.
  • Watermelon plants can be grown from seed or from transplants.
  • Watermelon plants produce fruit in about 80 to 90 days.
  • Watermelons are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or in a variety of other dishes.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.