This heirloom Banana melon dates back to the 1800s and is prized for its unique shape and flavor. The Banana melon grows long and tapered, with smooth yellow skin and salmon-pink, spicy-sweet flesh. It's a late-maturing gem that resists sunburn and brings a touch of history to the garden.
Key Features
- Large Fruits: Weighing 5-7 lbs with a netted exterior.
- Sweetness & Quality: 12-14% Brix for excellent flavor.
- Disease Resistant: Resists Fusarium Wilt races 0, 1, 2 and Powdery Mildew races 1, 2.
Cantaloupe Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow cantaloupe seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, typically in late spring or early summer.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Cantaloupes prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, planting 2-3 seeds in small mounds spaced 18-24 inches apart. Thin to one healthy plant per mound after seedlings emerge.
- Space mounds about 3-5 feet apart to allow for vine spread and proper airflow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-10 days. Once established, water deeply and less frequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start cantaloupe seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use deep pots or biodegradable pots to reduce root disturbance when transplanting.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 75-85°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5-7 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures reach at least 70°F and all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 18-24 inches apart, with mounds 3-5 feet apart.
General Care Tips for Cantaloupe
- Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water deeply but less frequently, aiming to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the fruits near maturity to enhance sweetness. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Cantaloupes are heavy feeders. Enrich soil with compost at planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer once vines start spreading.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
- Supporting Vines: While cantaloupe vines typically spread on the ground, a trellis can be used to save space. Provide slings for fruit to prevent them from pulling off the vine when grown vertically.
