From the Great Lakes State to your garden and plate, these Cantaloupes (Muskmelon) are GREAT!  They are refreshing, juicy, and have a pleasing texture to the palate.  Easy and fairly quick to grow, adaptable to many climates, and liked by all, they’re a winner for your garden and table!  Unlike other varieties, they don’t require much space in the garden and will stay compact, as far as spread.  Once ripe, will keep on the counter for many days.  They do not store well, but will keep longer than other melon varieties.  Although the melon size is on the smaller side, their maturity rate is fast and yield is higher per plant than other cantaloupes.

 

Key Growing Facts:  Full Sun - Warm weather annual (grows one season) - Tolerant of many soils and climates - Start indoors - Harvest times vary based on climate, but generally 3-4 months

 

Germination:  Start your seeds indoors, in average potting soil, ¼-½” / 0.5-1.5 cm deep, with a steady heat source like a heating mat under the container.  The temperature of the soil should be 75-85 F / 24-29 C.  Expect seedlings within 4-7 days. Melon seeds are quick – any longer than this, and you should check temperatures and soil moisture.  Ensure the soil is always moist, but neither saturated nor dry.  The rules are simple but absolutely MUST be followed for good germination, especially heat and humidity requirements.

 

Transplanting:  Once the seedlings are about 3-5" tall (8-13cm), "harden them off" by slowly and gradually exposing them to the outdoors while still in their containers for about a week.

 

Fertilizing:  Melons are Cucumis, which are generally heavy feeders.  Fertilize occasionally with your choice of natural or synthetic fertilizer, balanced for your soil conditions.  Compost or composted manure is an excellent choice if you have access to it.

 

Harvest:  Cantaloupes (Muskmelon) ripen their skin from green to basically beige or light brown between the “netting”, the raised crosshatch pattern on the skin.  Another sign of ripeness is the slight – but not total – softening, along with the delicious, telltale fragrance.  Once they arrive at this stage, pick them immediately or within a day or two!  Left in the heat of late summer or early fall, they will overripen quickly.  Bring them inside to a cool place out of the sun.  Avoid refrigeration of the uncut fruit, but do refrigerate or consume once cut.  Expect approximately 4 lbs (1.8) kg whole fruit and 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) once seeds and rind removed.

 

Pests & Diseases:  Fortunately, melons do not generally suffer too many diseases or pests.  Nonetheless, a common disease is Powdery Mildew, which is typically non-lethal prior to harvest, although cooler climates and excessive rainfall or irrigation may increase its severity.  Common pests include Cucumber Beetles and similar insects that prey on the Cucurbitaceae family (cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, etc.) can be controlled with a variety of methods, from hand-plucking for small gardens to natural and synthetic pesticides when necessary.  Unfortunately, left unchecked, these insects often require treatment and attention, or you may lose seedlings at the very earliest stages!

 

I have personally sown and cultivated every parent plant from seed, and then harvested and properly dried every seed.  They were fed only with natural compost.