Melon Seeds

Melon Seeds FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Melon Seeds in the UK. You can contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When should I plant Melon seeds?

In the UK, melon seeds should be planted indoors in late winter or early spring, typically around March or April. This timing allows the seeds to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings before the warmer weather arrives. Melon plants require warm temperatures to thrive, so starting them indoors helps to ensure they have a strong start before being transplanted outdoors once all risk of frost has passed, usually in late spring or early summer, around May or June. By following this planting schedule, you can give your melon plants the best chance of success.

How do you grow Melon from seed UK?

To grow melons from seed in the UK, start by preparing your seeds for germination. You can either sow them directly into the soil outdoors or start them indoors in pots filled with seed starting mix. If starting indoors, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and keep them warm (around 20-30°C) for germination, which usually takes 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves and all risk of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer (May or June), transplant them outdoors into a sunny, well-drained location in your garden or into large containers or grow bags. Provide support for sprawling varieties and fertilise regularly with balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and fruit development. Water consistently, especially during flowering and fruiting, and encourage pollination by avoiding pesticides and attracting pollinators. Harvest ripe melons in late summer or early autumn, when they develop a sweet aroma, by cutting them from the vine with a sharp knife. With proper care, you can enjoy delicious homegrown melons straight from your UK garden.

How long does it take to harvest Melon seeds?

The time it takes to harvest melon seeds varies depending on factors such as the variety of melon, growing conditions, and when the fruits are harvested. Generally, it takes about 80 to 120 days from planting to harvest for most melon varieties. However, some varieties may mature more quickly, while others may take longer.

To harvest melon seeds specifically, you'll need to wait until the melon fruits are fully ripe. This typically occurs in late summer or early autumn, when the fruits develop a sweet aroma and the stems start to detach easily from the vine. Once the melons are ripe, you can cut them open, scoop out the seeds, and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them for future planting. Overall, the process from planting melon seeds to harvesting seeds can take several months, but the delicious and nutritious fruits are well worth the wait.

Why Grow Melons from Seed?

Growing melons from seed offers several advantages for home gardeners, including a wide variety of cultivars to choose from, cost-effectiveness, and the assurance of fresher and higher-quality produce. Starting from seed provides control over growing conditions and allows customisation of planting schedules. It also serves as a valuable learning experience, fostering self-sufficiency by enabling seed saving for future plantings. Overall, growing melons from seed is a rewarding journey, offering benefits ranging from cost savings to customisation and learning opportunities for gardeners of all levels.

Where can you grow Melons?

Melons can be grown in various areas of your garden, including garden beds, containers, raised beds, trellises, and greenhouses. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth and select varieties that suit your space and preferences. Plant melons directly in garden beds or raised beds, ensuring proper spacing between plants. Alternatively, grow them in containers on patios, balconies, or rooftops, using a high-quality potting mix. Consider training vining varieties to climb trellises or vertical structures to save space. In cooler climates, extend the growing season by growing melons in greenhouses or high tunnels. With proper care and attention, melons can thrive and produce delicious fruits in various garden settings.

Why Buy Melon Seeds from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your melon seeds.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Feefo and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.