Should I replant a watermelon that almost died when planted in the ground?

Question

I started a watermelon in the ground as a small plant. It basically died in the ground, so I took it out. The roots had not really taken.

After a few weeks, however, I repotted it in a container just to see if it would come back. So it has and know I am wondering can I replant in the ground without it taking another hit? Thoughts?

I need to replant it as soon as possible!

why do you think it failed to thrive in the ground? – Graham Chiu Jul 19 '16 at 00:39 — Graham Chiu, Jul 19 '16 at 00:39
I will take one in the morning. – Hillary Jul 20 '16 at 01:05 — Hillary, Jul 20 '16 at 01:05

score 3 · Answer 1 · 2016-07-20T01:22:53.137

3

Cucurbitaceae, which includes watermelons, hate any damage to their roots - even somebody just walking too close to them. If "in the ground as a small plant" means you planted a seedling, my guess is you damaged the roots when transplanting it.

I have planted seedlings from nurseries, but seed wherever you want them to grow is the safer bet if you can provide them with the needed conditions.

EDIT: If you transplant it, you are likely going to stunt its growth again. Grow it in the pot and call it a year. Feed it high nitrogen until it gets large enough and then switch to low nitrogen.

edited Jul 20 '16 at 01:22

answered Jul 19 '16 at 01:27

So my question....it is currently in a pot...do i re transplant it back to the ground? – Hillary Jul 20 '16 at 01:05
@Hillary My vote is for no. – Jul 20 '16 at 01:23

Should I replant a watermelon that almost died when planted in the ground?

1 Answers1