Muskmelon, also known as cantaloupe, is a tender, heat-loving vegetable. Most varieties of the muskmelon have a musk smell; thus the name muskmelon. Muskmelon originated in India and were cultivated by settlers in the 1600's. Muskmelons may be directly seeded or started as transplants. If the weather and soil are not warm and the soil moisture level moderate, the seeds do not germinate and the plants do not grow.
Plant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed and dried. Gardeners in northern climates or other short-season areas who want early production may need to use transplants. To increase earliness, start seed for transplants 3 to 4 weeks before planting time. Because muskmelons do not transplant well if the roots are disturbed, you should start seed in individual containers. Proper temperatures for germinating and growing the transplants are very important. Do not allow transplants to become too large before planting in the garden or stunting and crop delays may result. Sterilized media should be used for starting seed to prevent damping-off and other diseases of seeds and seedlings.
Plant seeds one inch deep and thin the seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart or the equivalent (two plants every 36 inches or three plants every 48 inches in the hill system). Space rows at least 5 feet apart. Harvest: When muskmelons are ripe, the rind changes from a green to tan or yellow between the netting. They should be picked when the stem separates easily from the vine near the point of attachment ("half-slip" or "full-slip" stages of development). At these stages, there will be a crack near the point of attachment. Do not pick too early because the quality will not be as high as that of vine-ripened melons; sugars continue to be stored in the developing melons up to the moment the stem separates.
Once picked, muskmelons soften but do not sweeten further. Harvest early in the day after the plants are dry and be careful not to damage the vines. Pick every other day at the beginning of the season and go over the patch every day at peak season. Especially in dry seasons, wildlife and insects such as picnic beetles quickly attack the sweet, juicy, ripening and softening fruit. Honeydew and crenshaw melons are cut off the vine after they turn completely yellow. Their stems do not "slip" at maturity. These melons continue to improve (become soft and mellow) if kept at room temperature for a few days. When they are completely ripe, the blossom end is slightly soft to pressure. (Approximately 1,000 to 1,300 seeds per oz.)
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Honey Dew Green Melon - 35 Ct.
Average weight for the ripe juicy melons is about 6 pounds.
Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe-35 Ct.
The deep orange flesh is very flavorful and sweet.
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