Unwins Watermelon Little Darling F1 Seeds

Sow two seeds on edge, 1.5cm deep, per 8cm pot. Water well with a fine rose. Place in a propagator at 20°C or cover tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Keep moist.

When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep in a warm, light position, but shade from direct sunlight. If both seeds germinate, discard the weaker of the two.

Melons should be grown on ideally in a greenhouse or polytunnel, but can also be grown in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot outside. They require a minimum temperature of 12°C. Once the plants are a few cms tall and have 3 or 4 leaves, plant into the greenhouse border 75cm apart, in grow bags (two plants) or 45cm diameter containers (one plant). Avoid any sudden drop in temperature.

Water and feed well with a tomato fertliiser to promote fruiting. If male flowers form (those without a swelling behind them) do not remove them as they are necessary for pollination. Little Darling is a trailing variety so can be allowed to spread on the ground, protecting the fruits, or provide supports for climbing. Maintain high humidity, but also ensure greenhouses are well-ventilated in hot weather.