Help with Watermelon

Question

I am very novice at gardening. I have never grown watermelon before this. My 3-year-old daughter planted a watermelon seed in November and it sprouted. We successfully transplanted it into an indoor pot because I was afraid it was too cold to plant outside. It is now fairly large, flowering, and growing several watermelons – the largest is about 1-2 inches. I have been moving the pot outside during the days for pollination purposes as well as trying to pollinate myself. My question is, should I attempt to continue to grow the watermelon inside? Transplant it outside? I have heard that watermelon does not transplant well, but also that it does not work well to try to grow it indoors.

I think it is a 14″ pot that it is in. The vines have stretched far beyond the pot and are resting on the countertops, but it seems to be ok. Does that seem like it could work ?We live in Southern California, and currently the lows at night are in the high 40s and the days are 60s/70s. I would really appreciate your help! We are really hoping to help this plant survive!

Answer 1

I would continue to let the plant grow in its container provided that it is large enough to accommodate the mature plant and provides adequate drainage. That said, It should probably remain outdoors once nighttime temps have warmed enough, so keep doing what you have been (putting it out during the day but indoors at night). This article should help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/watermelon/growing-watermelons-containers.htm As long as it's deep enough to accommodate the plant's roots, it should be fine. If the plant begins showing signs of stress, like leaf yellowing or just not looking as healthy as it should, you might want to transplant it to the garden - but it should be fine as is.