Melon Seeds

In short-season areas, sow seed into peat pots indoors at 80°F. soil temperature 2-3 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Protect young plants from frost or damaging winds using row covers. Melons are ripe when fruit easily separates from vine. For those that have limited space, try experimenting growing melons on a sturdy trellis. When melons appear to be about half grown, insert each melon into some sort of cradle (old stocking) and tie the cradle securely to the trellis. This will help support the weight of the melon on the vine as it gets heavier. Note: All melons are insect-pollinated. Do not use insect sprays during flowering.

Melons are a staple fruit in grocery chains, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and backyard gardens. We offer the biggest selection of melon varieties that include muskmelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and specialty melons. Untreated melon seed varieties are listed.

Growing high quality melons for roadside or farmers’ market sales is not difficult and it is a great way to generate mid to late summer sales. The muskmelon is the preferred type of melon to grow in the East, as cantaloupe is for the West, but growing some of the more specialty types like Tuscan, Charentais, Canary and Honeydew is a great way to generate some impulse sales with your customers. Specialty melons should be a part of all farmers’ markets, as they have some totally unique eating qualities, and they are growing in popularity. The aroma of fresh melons at a market will be pleasing to your customers’ senses and is sure to pay off in additional sales.

In short season areas of the country, seed into Jiffy Pots in greenhouses at 75-80° F. soil temp., 3-4 weeks before transplanting into the field. Direct seed to the field south of U.S.D.A. hardiness zone 6 at least 2 weeks after average last frost date. In either case, protect young plants from frost or damaging winds in the field. Since they prefer warm temperatures, row covers or plastic tunnels can serve both purposes. All plantings benefit from plastic mulch to maintain soil temperature, retain moisture and control weeds in the row. Sandy loam soils at pH 6.0-6.8 are preferred for melons. These are insect pollinated crops; yields are enhanced by adding beehives.

Maturity dates are from transplant and are to be used as a comparison guide only.

Average Seed Count: 30 per packet; 1000/Oz.