Overview
A refreshing summer fruit with a sweet and juicy green flesh that grows well in hot climates
Conditions
Choose a sun-soaked (6+ hours of direct sunlight), warm location with well-drained soil
Planting
Typically, late spring is ideal. Use our grow calendar tool to find specific planting dates for your region! Plant directly in warm soil (for optimal growth, enrich the soil with compost or organic matter) after danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 3" apart in groups of 3–4 seeds and space each group ~4' apart. Thin to the one strongest seedling per group when they are ~2–3" tall.
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid over watering by using efficient watering methods like a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Feed your plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer both at planting and throughout their growth. Mulching helps conserve moisture and keeps weeds at bay, and providing support for the vines as the melons develop prevents them from resting directly on the ground.
Pets and Disease
Striped or spotted cucumber beetles can damage leaves, stems, fruit, vines and their hatched larvae consume roots leading to weakened plants. Neem oil, white oil, and organic insecticidal soap are useful in controlling these pests. Here's a link to our favorite homemade insecticide soap recipe for plants!
Harvest
Harvest when the melons have a sweet aroma, a yellowish color, and a slight softness when pressed at the blossom end.
