Latin Name: Cucumis melo
Main Uses: Fruit
Days to Maturity: 85 days
Exposure: Full sun
Height: Ground-hugging vine
Certified Organic: Ecocert Canada

Germination: 7-10 days at 21º C.
Sowing Indoors: Melons require a lot of warmth! Seeds must be started indoors in short-season climates. Sow seeds into 3” plantable coir or peat pots 4-6 weeks before last frost. Provide warmth and bright light. Apply Sea Magic from first watering. From second set of true leaves to time of transplanting, alternate between Sea Magic and seed-starting fertilizer (such as Evolve) once per week.
Planting Depth: 1/4” - push seed firmly into soil medium.
Spacing: Don’t skimp on space with melons! Space plants in hills that are 4 - 6 feet apart in rows 8 feet apart.
Planting Out: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil once seedlings have well-developed roots, soil has warmed, and all chance of frost is past. In Manitoba, this is typically between June 1 - 7.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in garden beds recently amended with quality compost such as Sea Soil. Application of Sea Magic kelp will result in larger and more plentiful fruit.

Watering (Garden): Water plants evenly - very important!

Garden Companions: Some gardeners pre-plant a radish barrier about a week before melon planting-out time.  A ring of radishes around each plant is said to deter cucumber beetles.

Harvesting: Harvest by cutting from the vine just when a hairline crack appears between stem and fruit. Eat promptly. 

Tips: Mulch soil around plants with straw. Water consistently until fruit is about 3” - 4” in diameter, then reduce watering.

Growing in Containers: Not well-suited for containers.

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.