Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe

Melons require well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, rich in organic matter. They need full sun exposure and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth.

Direct sow seeds outdoors 2 weeks after last frost, once soil temps have reached 70 degrees. Sow 3-5 seeds per hill with 2 to 4 feet between hills and to 3 to 4 feet between rows. Under ideal conditions germination will occur in 5-8 days.

In areas with short summers, melons can be started indoors 3 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Be careful not to disturb the roots while transplanting or use peat pots which can be placed directly in the soil.

Insect Pests

The most damaging insect for muskmelons is the cucumber beetle, which is known for exploiting cracks in the shell and invading the sweet centers. The best treatment for cucumber beetles is prevention. Check melons regularly for maturity and harvest as the stem begins to slip from the vine. Cucumber beetles can "sniff" out the sweet aroma of the stem scar and mount and attack, so be sure to get there first.

Diseases & Other Problems

Melons can be affected by a range of diseases, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, and anthracnose. These diseases can cause leaf spotting, leaf drop, and fruit rot. Proper cultural practices, such as providing good air circulation and maintaining proper soil moisture levels, can help prevent and manage these issues.

Most melons are ready to harvest once the stem begins to "slip" from the vine. Inspect the vines regularly as the fruit are maturing. Once the tendrils closest to the stem begin to turn brown, pull up gently on the stem where it connects to the fruit. If it is mature, the stem will pull right off. Melons will continue to ripen on the counter and will be extremely fragrant at their peak. Melons can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Cut melon can also be frozen and later pureed to make a delicious sorbet.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Muskmelon is an outbreeding plant with male and female flowers present on different parts of the plant. Muskmelon will cross pollinate with other varieties of muskmelon, honeydew, and other members of the Cucumis melo family, including Armenian Cucumber. Muskmelon will not cross with watermelon, cucamelon, or bitter melon. Isolate different varieties of honeydew and muskmelon by at least a half mile to ensure varietal purity. Alternatively, melon varieties may be caged with introduced pollinators. Hand-pollination of melons is relatively easy, but has a low success rate, even under ideal conditions.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest seeds, cut open the melons and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place in a bucket or pitcher and squeeze the seeds through your fingers to separate them from the pulp. Add enough water to allow the non-viable seeds, and the seeds still attached to pulp, to float. Pour off the floating seeds and pulp. Repeat until water runs clear. Pour remaining seed into a strainer and clean with a heavy stream of water to remove any remaining pulp. Allow to drain then pour the seeds out on a plate or cookie sheet and place in a warm, well-ventilated place to dry. Once completely dry, store in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Melon seeds remain viable for five years when stored under ideal conditions.