Name: Hales Best Jumbo Melon Cantaloupe
Genus: Cucumis
Type: Heirloom
Days to Mature: 85-120
Fruit Size: Up to 6 lbs
Hardiness Zones: 3-12
Planting Depth: 1/2-1″
Plant Spacing: 1-2″
Row Spacing: 4-6′
Growth Habit: Vine
Soil Preference: At least 70F, moist and well-drained soil. Prefers PH at around 7. Add mulch to keep soil moist.
Temp Preference: Warmer, 70F or above
Light Preference: Does best in full sun
Pests/diseases: Susceptible to melon aphids, cucumber beetles, downy and powdery mildew.
Color: Light Golden
Flavor: Mild, similar to honeydew.
About Cantaloupe Seeds
85 to 120 days. Hales Best Jumbo Cantaloupe melons are large and ribbed with an oval shape. When they reach full maturity, there are up to 6 pounds in weight each. They have a heavily netted texture on their skin, and their flesh is bright orange and very sweet. They are a summer crop that thrives in full sun. Easy to grow at home, these melons will produce an excellent harvest sure to spice up a green salad or fruit salad.
Growing Directions
Sow seeds when the threat of frost in your area has fully passed, as they thrive in warm weather. They also thrive in full sun, and reach their full growth potential in soil that is quite moist but also well-drained. Adding compost such as mulch to the soil can assist in their growth as well. Sow seeds with the pointed part of the seed directed down to promote root growth. They should each be sown in small individual hills half an inch deep, with at least four feel between plants. Throughout the growing process, it is beneficial to trim off parts of the vine that are producing flowers or smaller melons. The plant can then direct its energy to producing the largest and juiciest melons possible. Water the vine often, making sure not to get the leaves wet which can cause disease for the plant. When the melons are ready for harvest, they will be a golden shade and easily taken off of the vine. This will occur after around 85-120 days.
