Watermelon Shriveled Up After Transplant

Starting Watermelons

• Watermelon plants develop shallow, fibrous root systems that do not respond well to disturbance when small and developing. It's better to directly sow watermelon seeds in the location where they are to grow for the season. This eliminates any root damage from digging and replanting seedlings and diminishes concerns of transplant re-establishment in its new soil environment. Hand pulling small weeds avoids cutting or damaging roots as the seedlings attain size.

Transplant Size

• In regions where the summer growing season is short, start watermelon seeds indoors three weeks before the last spring frost. Planting one seed in a small pot or seedling tray cell allows plants to germinate and begin establishing a small root system and the first few leaves before transplanting outside. The best transplanting success occurs when watermelon seedlings are small, when three true leaves are displayed. Do not count the two initial embryo leaves that first pop out of the soil after germination. Planting larger, older seedlings is difficult, as the root system is cramped or pinched and any disturbance during transplant leads to seedling decline or death. Do not start the seeds indoors too early before appropriate outdoor planting time in your area.

Ideal Soil Conditions

• Transplanting watermelon seedlings into overly moist or chilly soil causes the plants to shrivel and decline. The garden soil must be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the roots stunt their growth while the leaves heat up and dehydrate in the sunshine. The soil must be moist but crumbly in texture. If moisture does not drain well, the roots rot or other fungal diseases harm the seedling stems or leaves.

Causes of Shriveling

• Since watermelon seedlings are sensitive to transplanting, various factors cause the plants to shrivel. Cut or disturbed roots do not uptake ample water to sustain the leaves and stem, while chilly weather after transplant, such as cloudiness, rains, wind or nighttime temperatures below 50 F, create plant wilting or tattered, sickly plants. Wind can snap stems, and slugs and snails in the garden create biting wounds, causing stem dehydration. Planting the seedling too deeply suffocates roots or keeps them wet, leading to fungal disease.