Mystery Plant in Flower Garden: Could It Be a Watermelon?

A gardener found a large, unfamiliar plant in their flower bed. Its leaves resemble squash or melon, and yellow, rubbery flowers grow hidden beneath the foliage. The gardener has a cantaloupe elsewhere but notes this plant looks different, wondering if it might be a watermelon volunteer.

Expert Opinion: The leaf shape and flower structure are consistent with a watermelon plant (Citrullus lanatus). A stray seed from compost, bird droppings, or previous planting could have germinated. Watermelon flowers are monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) and often hide under leaves. The best confirmation will come when fruit develops. In the meantime, provide ample space, water, and sunlight as you would for any cucurbit.