FLASH SALES: discover new special offers every week!
Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Watermelon Little Darling F1 - Citrullus lanatus

Citrullus lanatus Little Darling F1
Watermelon, Sugar melon

Be the first to leave a review

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Comparable to large sweet candies, this original variety produces small oval watermelons measuring 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) in diameter, with dark green skin and containing juicy, dense, sweet red flesh. Less vining than other varieties, its fairly compact growth is suitable for small gardens or for cultivation in pots on terraces, balconies, and patios. To ensure a good yield, it prefers a sunny location, in a warm situation, and regular watering. Planting of the young plants is done from April to June, after any risk of frost, for a harvest from July until September.
Ease of cultivation
Amateur
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Best planting time May to June
Recommended planting time April to June
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time June to August
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest time July to September
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

The 'Little Darling' F1 watermelon is a hybrid variety, early, and easy to grow. It is characterizsed by its compact growth habit, suitable for small spaces and container gardening. It produces mini watermelons, weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms, with delicious flesh that is highly appreciated for fresh consumption in fruit salads or for making smoothies and juices. Almost seedless, it is easy to enjoy, and its high water content makes it refreshing in the summer. Outdoor planting can be considered as long as temperatures do not drop below 12-13°C (53.6-55.4°F) at night. It is important to be vigilant for the presence of slugs, which are fond of young leaves.

NB: This variety is labeled F1 for "F1 hybrid" because it is a variety resulting from the cross-breeding of carefully selected parents to combine their qualities. This results in a variety that can be particularly flavourful and/or early while also being resistant to certain diseases. Sometimes criticised or wrongly associated with GMOs, F1 hybrid seeds are interesting both for their uniformity and resistance. Unfortunately, their qualities do not pass on to the next generations, so it will not be possible to save the seeds for future sowing.

Watermelon is an annual creeping vegetable plant. It is cultivated for its spherical fruits with sweet and juicy flesh, which are consumed raw like other melons. It is a very refreshing fruit, highly appreciated in hot regions. It can also be used to make delicious jams and sorbets. Watermelon has antiscorbutic, purifying, and refreshing properties, and it contains vitamins (A, B, C) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron).

Watermelon grows in areas with very moist soil. It requires well-fertilised soil, a warm and sunny exposure, and regular watering.

Harvest: Watermelons are harvested when ripe: they lose their shiny colour and sound hollow when tapped.

Storage: They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Gardener's tip: Regular hoeing and weeding are recommended, and mulching is advised.

Harvest

Harvest time July to September
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Small
Fruit diameter 12 cm
Interest Flavour, Productive, Disease resistant
Flavour Sugary
Use Table, Jam, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour medium green
Product reference18543

Planting and care

Planting: First, grow the plug plants by transplanting them into trays or pots measuring 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5in) in diameter, filled with compost. Place the plants in a warm and bright location. Water regularly.

In the ground: Planting in the ground should be done when the risk of frost is gone and the soil is sufficiently warmed up. Space the plants 1 m (3ft) apart in all directions. Dig a hole, place your plant with the graft point at ground level, without burying it, and cover with fine soil. Firmly press down and water to keep the soil moist.

In a pot: Choose a pot that is at least 40 cm (16in) deep. Place a layer of gravel or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. Fill the pot with a mixture of compost and well-rotted manure. Place the root ball and cover with soil. Firmly press down and water. Place the pot in the sun. Regularly add compost.

Growing watermelon requires regular watering (about twice a week in summer, depending on the climate). Be careful, only water the base and not the leaves to prevent the appearance of mildew and powdery mildew. Regularly weed and hoe.

1
€7.50 Bag
6
€19.50
17
€14.50 Each

Cultivation

Best planting time May to June
Recommended planting time April to June

Care

Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Good

Intended location

Type of use Container, Vegetable garden, Greenhouse
Region concerned Corse, Pays Basque, Sud-Ouest, Zone méditerranéenne, dite de l’olivier
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Soil Free-draining and rich in organic matter.
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130

This item has not been reviewed yet - be the first to leave a review about it.

Leave a review →

Haven't found what you were looking for?

We only deliver seed and bulb products to your country. If you add other products to your basket, they cannot be shipped.