Melon
Melon is a fruit in the Cucurbitaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 4-13. Plants reach harvest about 55–127 days after planting.
Varieties
69 from True Leaf Market, High Mowing & Seeds Now · sorted by days to maturity▸Dae Jang Geum Hybrid55–75 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew (Race1); Necrotic Spot Virus
65 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. makuwa. Dae Jang Geum Korean Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat tolerant, drought tolerant, Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew (Race1) and Necrotic Spot Virus. The Dae Jang Geum melon is oval-shaped, typically weighing over 1.5 pounds. It boasts a golden yellow skin with distinct white sutures. The flesh inside is white, offering a crisp bite and a remarkably sweet taste, with a Brix rating of 17, indicating high sugar content. It's commonly referred to as the Korean melon or Chamoe in Korea. Expect a mild, subtly sweet, and floral flavor with nuances reminiscent of banana, cantaloupe, cucumber, and honeydew.~2,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Hakucho Hybrid55–75 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
65 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis. Charantais Hakucho Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat-tolerant Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Also known as Charantais or Charentais melon, makuwauri, meron. The flesh of this French Charantais melon from Japan is yellow to orange in color. The fruit is aromatic, sweet, and just over 1 pound. The oval-shaped fruit has yellowish-gray skin with no netting. The sugar content is 16 percent brix. Excellent fresh, in fruit salads, as a dessert melon, or wrapped with prosciutto. Its unique flavor profile makes it sought after by gourmet home gardeners and specialty growers. ~2,800 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Ichiba Kouji Hybrid55–60 days
Hybrid; Fruit; Annual
55-60 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Ichiba Kouji Japanese Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat tolerant, drought tolerant, Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This specialty variety dominates the netted melon market in Japan. The fruit is round, green-skinned, with a fine net, and matures to over 3 lbs. The thick, juicy, green flesh measures over 16 Brix. Its sugar content will continue to rise regardless of the weather. This vigorous hybrid variety is hardier than other similar non-hybrid types.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Gallo Hybrid59–81 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
70 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Gallo Galia Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Mini Galia Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This thin-rinded, small seed cavity melon is ideal for patios and trellises. The vines can grow up to 8 feet, but the melons are globe-shaped and only 4 inches in diameter, weighing 1.75-2.3 pounds at maturity. Also known as a Sarda or Tropical Melon, this variety originated in Israel and has sweet, juicy flesh. With only 70 days to maturity, gardeners in a variety of growing zones can appreciate the delicate sweetness of these outstanding melons. .
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Oshiro Uri Numane (Clearance)59–81 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Annual
72% Germination - Non-refundable clearance seeds. 70 Days to maturity. Oshiro Uri Numane Pickling Melon Seeds. The Numane melon is a delicious traditional Japanese pickling melon. It grows as a vining plant, with the vines getting as long as 10 feet. Its fruits are light green and elongated, reaching up to 12 inches. It looks very much like a light green, thick cucumber. The melons get lighter in color as they mature. These clearance Oshiro Uri Numane Pickling Melon seeds are 4% below germination standards. Approx. 1,400 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸First Kiss F160–82 days
HMOS EXCLUSIVE; Loy's Choice™; 1-2 lb
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (2); Powdery Mildew (1&2)
Taste-test winning, early melon with firm, sweet flesh. Our earliest melons with a beautiful, netted rind and impressive disease resistance. The melons are full slip, which allows for easy ripeness detection. Bred by Dr. Brent Loy at the University of New Hampshire, this variety is the perfect partner to True Love F1, which is slightly later and larger, extending the melon harvesting season. A portion of sales is paid to the breeder. Unavailable in 2024
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplants; add 10-14 days if direct seeding. Melons are warm-season tender annuals that require fertile soils with lots of organic matter, moisture and full sun. Direct seed 1-2 weeks after last frost date or sow seed indoors 4 weeks before planting date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85°F. Harden off by reducing temperature and water. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Plastic mulch and floating row cover are useful in cool climates. Harvesting melons can be tricky. In general: Muskmelons slip from the vine; Charentais can be cut at half or full slip; Galias slip from the vine and turn bright yellow. Ripe melons usually keep up to four weeks in cold storage.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Vine Peach60–90 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
60-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Vine Peach Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Also known as a mango melon or a garden lemon, this fascinating melon species is believed to have been cultivated by Native Americans before being brought to Europe and then spread to gardens worldwide. They were especially popular in the 19th century for preserves and pickles due to their mild flavor and firm texture. The fruits are about the size of a peach with yellow skin and pale yellow flesh that takes on other flavors very well. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Divergent F163–85 days
Widely adaptable; 2.5-3 lbs
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (0, 1, 2) · IR: Cotton Aphid; Powdery Mildew (1, 2, 5)
Divergent F1 rarely diverges from delicious. This stunning melon that’s part cantaloupe and part galia is reliably sweet, with a Brix range of 15-18°. Vigorous and quick to mature, Divergent F1 ripens well ahead of much of its size class with strong yields of medium, round fruit. The outside appearance is more of a galia, with a low netting and almost no rib. Watch closely so as not to miss the harvest; it ripens uniformly and is ready when background color is half green and half gold. Plant successions to extend the season. From Vitalis Organic Seeds.
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplants; add 10-14 days if direct seeding. Melons are warm-season tender annuals that require fertile soils with lots of organic matter, moisture and full sun. Direct seed 1-2 weeks after last frost date or sow seed indoors 4 weeks before planting date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85°F. Harden off by reducing temperature and water. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Plastic mulch and floating row cover are useful in cool climates. Harvesting melons can be tricky. In general: Muskmelons slip from the vine; Charentais can be cut at half or full slip; Galias slip from the vine and turn bright yellow. Ripe melons usually keep up to four weeks in cold storage.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Athena Hybrid64–86 days
Hybrid; Non-GMO; Fruit; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (Race 0,1,2); Powdery Mildew (Race 1,2); Scab
75 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Athena Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt (Race 0,1,2), Powdery Mildew (Race 1,2), and Scab. The Athena Hybrid variety of cantaloupe is a large melon with a sweet taste. Athena Hybrid is the number one best-selling cantaloupe in America. These seeds do best with full sun in zones three to nine. Rich, sandy soil is preferable. Athena is an early-maturing eastern melon in a class of its own, asked for by name from gardeners to growers. Athena has consistently delivered at the top for flesh color, flavor, aroma, firmness, and shelf life after harvest. Athena may be used in some areas as a specialty melon with superior high flavor. Oval melons are 5 to 6 pounds with thick, firm, orange flesh and coarse netting with minor sutures. Pick Athena at full slip for the best quality and flavor. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Golden Delicious64–86 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
75 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis. Golden Delicious Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew (PM) and Fusarium Wilt (FW). This melon was developed at Cornell University in the 1950s: a strong yielding, early ripening melon with numerous fruits weighing between 2 and 4 pounds each. With a thin skin and small seed cavity, the Golden Delicious offers more deep orange flesh than many other cantaloupes. These melons are highly aromatic and have a sweeter flavor than many cantaloupes- a great choice for home gardens. Golden Delicious is our top choice for growing in cooler climates. This variety is sometimes referred to as Golden Cantaloupe or Golden Melon.~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸PMR Delicious 5164–86 days
Eastern type; 2-3 lbs
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (1); Powdery Mildew
Reliably early melon, ripening quickly for heavy yields of aromatic fruit. Juicy, perfectly sweet flesh is dark orange with creamy texture and strong flavor. Thinner skin than hybrids but holds well for market and in storage. Excellent resistance to powdery mildew and well adapted for northern growers. Harvest at full slip. Bred by Dr. Henry Munger at Cornell University. A portion of sales is paid to the breeder.
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplants; add 10-14 days if direct seeding. Melons are warm-season tender annuals that require fertile soils with lots of organic matter, moisture and full sun. Direct seed 1-2 weeks after last frost date or sow seed indoors 4 weeks before planting date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85°F. Harden off by reducing temperature and water. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Plastic mulch and floating row cover are useful in cool climates. Harvesting melons can be tricky. In general: Muskmelons slip from the vine; Charentais can be cut at half or full slip; Galias slip from the vine and turn bright yellow. Ripe melons usually keep up to four weeks in cold storage.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Early Silver Line65–87 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
76 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Early Silver Line Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Early Silver Line Melon is admired for its striking look: bright yellow skin accented with white or pale green longitudinal stripes. Inside, the flesh is creamy-white, crisp, and fragrant. The plant is very productive and produces 2-pound fruits. Grow this variety for some delicious melon throughout the season. It can also be called chamoe, Korean melon, or Oriental melon.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Imperial 4565–85 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; AAS Winner; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew · IR: Powdery Mildew
65-85 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Imperial 45 Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, AAS winner, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Moderately resistant to Powdery Mildew. The Imperial 45 variety of cantaloupe grows into hardy vines that produce large melons with a classic light golden coloring. Their flesh is sweet and delicious. Also known as Hale’s Best No. 45 and Imperial 45 Shipper, this is your basic and classic Southern California market melon. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Minnesota Midget65–70 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (Race 0)
65-70 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. reticulatus. Minnesota Midget Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt (Race 0). The Minnesota Midget variety of cantaloupe is a small melon with a sweet taste. These miniature melons have flesh in a light golden shade, similar to a classic cantaloupe. The vine produces melons that reach maturity in sixty-five to seventy days. This variety does best when grown in the summer in an area with full sun, in zones three to nine, and it thrives in rich, sandy soil. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸True Love F165–87 days
Loy's Choice™; 2-3 lb
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (2); Powdery Mildew (1&2)
High-sugar melon with near-perfect texture designed to complement its sister variety, First Kiss F1. A testament to our trials process, this melon is the perfect complement to First Kiss F1 as it is full slip, slightly later and larger, and can be planted as a second succession for continual melon harvest. The aromatic sweetness of this melon evokes the feelings of true love, and this show stopping cultivar comes to us from Dr. Brent Loy at the University of New Hampshire. A portion of the sales of this variety is paid to the breeder. First Kiss F1 True Love F1 Divergent F1
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplants; add 10-14 days if direct seeding. Melons are warm-season tender annuals that require fertile soils with lots of organic matter, moisture and full sun. Direct seed 1-2 weeks after last frost date or sow seed indoors 4 weeks before planting date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85°F. Harden off by reducing temperature and water. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Plastic mulch and floating row cover are useful in cool climates. Harvesting melons can be tricky. In general: Muskmelons slip from the vine; Charentais can be cut at half or full slip; Galias slip from the vine and turn bright yellow. Ripe melons usually keep up to four weeks in cold storage.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Tuscany66–90 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual; heat-tolerant
78 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Tuscany Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Tuscany Cantaloupe variety is a delicious melon from Italy bursting with flavor and aroma. The thick flesh and small seed cavity make for an easy-to-cut fruit. It has salmon-colored fruits with brown husks that weigh 2-3 pounds at maturity. The husks are sutured and finely netted with striped outer skins. Tuscany is an excellent market seller with undeniable curb appeal. The dense melons have good storage capacity and high vitamin C and A content. In Italy, this type of melon may simply be referred to as “Melone di Toscana.” ~980 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Earli-Dew Hybrid68–92 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt
80 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Earli Dew Hybrid Honeydew Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat tolerant, Honeydew Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium wilt. As one of our earliest maturing Honeydew varieties, Earli-Dew is a favorite in northern climates. Many professionals including Utah State University Extension and the Master Gardeners of Greene County (Missouri) recommend this variety for it's short days to maturity, delicious taste, and high fungal disease resistance. The melons are 6-8 inches round and weigh around 7 pounds. The vines produce plentiful fruits with smooth skin and sweet green flesh. ~1,060 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Hale's Best 45 PMR68–90 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew
68-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Hale's Best 45 PMR Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew. Hale's Best is a delicious variety that contains coarse netting with a light rib. Its flesh is salmon in color and has a good flavor. Hales Best 45 PMR is drought-resistant and does well even with less watering. The fruit is 6 inches by 5 inches in diameter and weighs 4 pounds. The flesh is lovely and aromatic, with a rich, classic cantaloupe flavor. It's perfect for summer salads, smoothies, desserts, or fresh eating right off the rind. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Collective Farm Woman71–95 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual
83 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Collective Farm Woman Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This amazing melon comes from Ukraine, where fast-ripening melons are important in cool conditions. A Seed Savers Exchange member first offered this melon in 1993 after a trip to the Island of Krim in the Black Sea. Collective Farm Woman has a yellow-gold rind with extra sweet white flesh. Melons grow 7-10 inches in size. Collective Farm Woman ripens early, as you would expect from a cool-weather melon. Harvest when the skin turns orange-yellow. Stores well for several weeks after harvest. ~644 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Ambrosia Hybrid72–98 days
Hybrid; Non-GMO; Fruit; Annual
Resistance: HR: Downy Mildew; Powdery Mildew
85 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew. The Ambrosia cantaloupe is a large melon with a deliciously sweet flavor. The cine produces melons that have thick, peach-colored flesh with a surprisingly small seed cavity. The six-inch melons will grow best in full sun with rich, sandy soil. Ambrosia hybrid melons were bred in the U.S. as an improvement upon traditional cantaloupes, developed for better flavor and disease resistance. Ambrosia is specifically recommended by Utah State University and is favored by gardeners in that community.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Ball 2076 Hybrid72–98 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt; Powdery Mildew
85 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Ball 2076 Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, hybrid, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt and Powdery Mildew. The Ball 2076 Hybrid variety of cantaloupe is a large melon with a sweet taste. The vine produces melons that reach maturity in eighty-five days. These seeds do best with full sun in zones three to nine. Rich, sandy soil is preferable. This is the improved version of Ball 1776. Ball Seed considers this their best-tasting melon. Very sweet. Heavily netted. Good performer in all areas.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Edisto 4772–98 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew; Downy Mildew; Alternaria Leaf Spot
85 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, humidity-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Alternaria Leaf Spot. The Edisto 47 variety grows melons weighing 3-5 pounds with juicy and sweet salmon-colored flesh. The vines are incredibly vigorous, with large leaves. Good shipper. The Edisto 47 cantaloupe melon is an excellent summer crop that thrives in the heat and full sun. It is highly favored in the southeastern United States as it tolerates the climate well. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Planters Jumbo72–98 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
The Planters Jumbo melon produces a very sweet and delicious fruit that matures to about 5lbs - Thick and protective rind - Orange flesh - Extremely juicy - Has a pretty small seed cavity - Tolerant of heat and drought - Can also tolerate heavy rainfall - Excellent source of vitamin C Days to Maturity | 85 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Iroquois75–90 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt
75-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Iroquois Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt. These melons ship and store well. Iroquois melons are easy to grow at home. Their skin is thick, deeply ribbed, and heavily netted with a gray-green color. The flesh is deep salmon colored. Melons grow to be 7 inches by 6 inches and weigh 5-7 lbs. One of the primary reasons for growing this variety is its outstanding sweetness and rich cantaloupe flavor. This is a great choice if you enjoy melons with a strong, musky, and sweet taste. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Banana76–104 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
Produces excellent yields of 18" long yellow melons. - The orange flesh is extremely tender and juicy - Has a banana flavor Days to Maturity | 90 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Charentais76–104 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. inodorus. Charentais Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This incredibly unique melon is unlike any cantaloupe or honeydew you’ve ever tried. The intense aroma is intoxicating and a dead giveaway in the garden. When ripe, the skin turns yellow, and the melon slips easily off the vine. This gourmet fruit will keep you eagerly checking the vegetable patch for more each season! You won’t find this 2-3 pound variety in any grocery store or specialty fruit shops, as they do not ship well.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Charentais (Organic)76–104 days
Heirloom; Organic; Vegetable; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. inodorus. Organic Charentais Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This incredibly unique melon is unlike any cantaloupe or honeydew you’ve ever tried. The intense aroma is intoxicating and a dead giveaway in the garden. When ripe, the skin turns yellow, and the melon slips easily off the vine. This gourmet fruit will keep you eagerly checking the vegetable patch for more each season! You won’t find this 2-3 pound variety in any grocery store or specialty fruit shops, as they do not ship well. ~1000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Glamorous Hybrid76–104 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Glamorous Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Galia Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Glamorous Hybrid Melon is a hybrid cantaloupe known for its sweet flavor, vibrant appearance, and reliable growth. The flavor of the melon is often described as succulent and refreshing, with a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of floral notes. Known for producing large, 3-5 pound melons with light green to white flesh and netted skin, the flesh pairs perfectly with cured meats and aged cheeses for a delightfully balanced culinary combination. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Glamorous Hybrid (Organic)76–104 days
Organic; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Glamorous Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Galia Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Glamorous Hybrid Melon is a hybrid cantaloupe known for its sweet flavor, vibrant appearance, and reliable growth. The flavor of the melon is often described as succulent and refreshing, with a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of floral notes. Known for producing large, 3-5 pound melons with light green to white flesh and netted skin, the flesh pairs perfectly with cured meats and aged cheeses for a delightfully balanced culinary combination. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Rocky Ford Green Flesh76–102 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Rusts
89 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Rusts. Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupes are a unique variety of melon with deeply ribbed rinds covered in heavy netting. They grow dark green until they ripen when they turn into a yellow-ish tan color. The flesh is pale and medium green. They do remarkably well in hot and humid climates such as in the American South. They have a flavor unlike any other melon that is sweet, creamy, and spicy. The fruits mature at 2-3 pounds and about 5.5 by 4.5 inches.~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Sharlyn76–104 days
Heirloom; Fruit; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Sharlyn Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, drought tolerant, specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. These specialty oval-shaped melons are about the size of a typical cantaloupe and have sweet, tender flesh. The creamy fruit is mild in flavor but delicious. They are sometimes referred to as Sharlyn Cantaloupes or Sharlyn Muskmelons due to their musky aroma and cantaloupe-like texture. Sharlyn Melons are believed to have originated from the Middle East. These unique specialty melons are perfect for shorter growing seasons and have a harvest window of up to one week! ~980 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Sierra Gold (Organic)76–104 days
Heirloom; Organic; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heat-tolerant cantaloupe. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew. The Sierra Gold Cantaloupe has quickly become a garden favorite. Its salmon-colored flesh and small seed cavity make it appealing to see and delicious to taste! The taste is described as “excellent” by the Garden Seed Inventory, which also mentions having a well-netted husk with distinct indistinct ribs. It is said to be one of the sweetest cantaloupe varieties on the market. 1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Valencia Early76–104 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Valencia Early Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Known for its early maturity (compared to similar melons) and ability to store well for as much as 4 months without losing flavor and texture, this one-of-a-kind melon is perfect for short growing seasons and those who like to store their harvest to eat throughout the winter. Also known as a winter melon, the Valencia Melon can be found in seed catalogs in North America as far back as the early 1800s. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Golden Honeymoon78–106 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
92 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Golden Honeymoon Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Honeydew Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to sunburn. This smaller honeydew melon is ripe two weeks earlier than regular Honeydew varieties. Golden Honeymoon melons are a rare heirloom variety known for their exceptional flavor and smooth texture. Unlike green-fleshed honeydews, the flesh inside this melon is a creamy white to pale green. They are a stunning addition to any garden, producing beautiful golden fruits that are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Canary Yellow80–120 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
80-120 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Canary Yellow Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This winter melon is ideal for growers who want to store a delicious melon to enjoy a few weeks later. They can be stored for several weeks without losing their flavor or texture. Canary Melons have a vibrant yellow, smooth rind that stands out in the garden or on the shelf, giving it the nickname “Juan Canary.” They originated in the Middle East and are popular in countries like Spain, Turkey, and Asia. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Eindor80–90 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
80-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. reticulatus. Eindor Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Also known as a Ein Dor, Israel or Ha'Ogen Melon, this unique variety has heavily netted skin with a golden background. The flesh is pale green and has an incredible floral, tropical, banana flavor. The small seed cavity on this 2-4 pound fruit leaves more room for the flesh on the inside. It is a type of Ananas (Pineapple) melon. A lover of hot, long summers, Eindor melons are worth well worth the wait! ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Haogen80–85 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
80-85 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Haogen Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This unique heirloom cantaloupe is flavorful and yields many fruits. The name "haogen" means "the anchor" in Hebrew. The fruits mature at 3-5 pounds with smooth skin and green flesh. This delicious treat will be a favorite at any summer gathering. It is often featured at BBQs and picnics for everyone to enjoy. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Hearts of Gold80–90 days
Heirloom / Open Pollinated; Vegetable; Annual; Non-GMO
Resistance: HR: Blight
80-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Blight. Also known as “Hoodoo,” the Hearts of Gold cantaloupe is a fantastic choice for midwestern gardeners. The sweet, deep orange flesh is incredibly aromatic and firm. The seed cavity is small, leaving more room for fruit! The round melons mature at 5-6 inches in diameter and 3-5 pounds. The husk is heavily netted with medium ribs. The plant is quite vigorous and very productive. A good choice for short-distance shipping. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Hearts of Gold (Organic)80–90 days
Heirloom; Organic; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Blight
80-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Blight. Also known as “Hoodoo,” the Hearts of Gold cantaloupe is a fantastic choice for midwestern organic gardeners. The sweet, deep orange flesh is incredibly aromatic and firm. The seed cavity is small, leaving more room for fruit! The round melons mature at 5-6 inches in diameter and 3-5 pounds. The husk is heavily netted with medium ribs. The plant is quite vigorous and very productive. A good choice for short-distance shipping. ~1,000 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Top Mark80–90 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Downy Mildew; Powdery Mildew; Cucumber Beetles; Scab
80-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis. Top Mark Melon Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, cantaloupe melon. Resistant to Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, Cucumber Beetles, is scab resistant, and sulphur tolerant. Gardeners love the Top Mark Melon for its robust flavor and ease of growth. Top Mark Melons are prized for their exceptionally sweet, juicy, and aromatic orange flesh, making them a delightful summer treat. It has 7-inch 3-4 lb fruits that are slightly oblong, well-netted, slight ribs, thick, and firm with sweet salmon colored flesh. Top Mark Melon has a small seed cavity leaving room for more juicy sweet melon. ~1,240 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Bidwell81–109 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual
C. indorus (95 days) This melon originated just a few minutes away from us here in Chico, CA. Bidwell is named after John Bidwell, who was a general in the Civil War and struck it rich in the California Gold Rush. Bidwell later founded the town of Chico, where he planted the original seed stock from the Department of Agriculture on his estate. After many years of selection, the Bidwell Casaba was born.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Amarillo Oro85–115 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
The Amarillo Oro plant produces good yields of large 15 lb. golden yellow oblong melons. A pre-1870 heirloom variety from Europe - White flesh with sweet flavor - Grows well in the winter - Suitable for home gardens and market growers Days to Maturity | 90 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Aspire Hybrid85–115 days
Non-GMO; Container; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Aspire Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant French Charentais Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. These personal-sized (2lb) melons are extra sweet. This variety is ideal for home gardens and is even small enough that they are a good choice for container gardens. Many consider this to be one of the best melons ever developed because of its sugar content and delightful texture. While it is not explicitly resistant to specific diseases, it generally shows great vigor and will produce plentiful melons if cultivated well. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Bodacious Hybrid85–115 days
Vegetable; Non-GMO; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Honeydew Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This ivory-skinned honeydew has classic green flesh that is sweet and firm. The vines are vigorous, and the leaves are large, which prevents the sunburn of the fruits. The Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew stands out due to its exceptional sweetness, early maturity, and uniform size. It is highly sought after because of its smooth, creamy texture and excellent shelf life. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Branco Do Ribatejo85–115 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Branco Do Ribatejo Melons mature into oval, striped melons with white husks. They weigh around 6-8 pounds and contain delicious and aromatic greenish-white flesh. This melon is Portugal's national favorite. It is sometimes called "Ribatejo melon" after the Ribatejo region of Portugal, where it originated. It has intensely sweet, flavorful, and juicy flesh and excellent storage qualities, making it ideal for shipping, market growers, and home gardeners who want to extend their harvest. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Extravagant Hybrid85–115 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Fusarium Wilt (Race 2)
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Extravagant Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant honeydew cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt (Race 2). The Extravagant Hybrid melon is a hybrid variety that combines characteristics of both cantaloupe and honeydew melons. It features a cream-colored rind with minimal netting and boasts thick, crisp orange flesh that delivers a sweet flavor. These melons are known for their vigorous growth and disease resistance, making them a popular choice among gardeners. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Fabulous Hybrid85–115 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Fabulous Hybrid Honeydew Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Honeydew Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The vigorous, disease-resistant vines of the Fabulous Hybrid plant produce perfectly oval, pale green honeydew fruit with bright green flesh. This variety is relatively early maturing for a honeydew. The vines can be staked or trellised to save garden space. The firm, sweet flesh has a remarkably high sugar content and holds well to storing and shipping. It's a low-maintenance yet rewarding option for melon lovers. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Green Flesh85–100 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
This is a delicious melon with a sweet green flesh - Produces large 6 1/2 x 6" melons and weighs about 5 lbs Days to Maturity | 85-100 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Hales Best Jumbo85–100 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
The Hales Best Jumbo is a cantaloupe that yields large, oval, ribbed fruits weighing up to 5 to 6 pounds - Traditional favorite - Heavy netting and fine textured with a bright orange flesh - Holds a sweet flavor longer than most - Drought tolerant variety that thrives in warm temps - Excellent source of vitamin C. Days to Maturity | 85-100 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Heart of Gold85–100 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
Heart of Gold Melon (100% Heirloom/Non-Hybrid/Non-GMO) The Heart of Gold melon produces a very sweet and delicious golden flesh fruit that grow up to 4 lbs! Day to Maturity | 85-100 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Honey Rock85–100 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
The Honey rock melon produces a very sweet and delicious Cantaloupe fruit that matures to six 6" in diameter - Excellent source of vitamin C Days to Maturity | 85-100 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Late Valencia85–115 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 days. Cucumis melo var. inodorus. Valencia Late Melon Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Late Valencia is a winter melon that produces dark-green melons with pale-green flesh that sweetens further in storage. Valencia Melons are said to be a close relative of melons grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. ~840 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Marvelous Hybrid85–115 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant Marvelous Hybrid Crenshaw Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Melon Marvelous Hybrid is a hybrid Crenshaw with exceptional yield. These colorful specialty melons have thick salmon flesh and dark green rinds. It is known as the perfect winter storage melon. The vigorous vines protect the fruit from sunburn. This variety stands out for being a heavy producer, making it great for home gardeners who want a reliable yield. The hybrid status also means it's bred for improved vigor and fruit uniformity compared to traditional Crenshaw varieties. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Orange Flesh Honeydew85–100 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Start indoors
This is a delicious melon with a sweet orange flesh Days to Maturity | 85-100 days Melon Seeds | Because of the long growing season, start plants indoors 4 to 5 weeks before outdoor planting time. Direct sow 4-5 seeds in a hill and then thin to the appropriate spacing. Click here for complete Melon grow guide
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Sakata's Sweet85–90 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual; Non-GMO
Resistance: HR: Powdery Mildew; Fusarium Wilt
85-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Sakata's Sweet Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew and Fusarium Wilt. Sakata's Sweet Melon is a highly regarded variety, often praised for its rich sweetness and beautiful flavor. Oval to Round 10-12 oz. Large baseball-sized melons that are pale white-green skin that ripens to a yellow-green. Soft, light, barely green flesh is highly aromatic. Skin and flesh combined are smooth. Will not slip, can trellis. Variety is a good keeper that has been grown in the East for centuries and is now appearing in American markets. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Sungold85–110 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
85-110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Sungold Casaba Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, Casaba Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This variety is known for its heat tolerance and drought resistance, making it ideal for regions with hot summers. Its unique mild sweetness and creamy flesh make it stand out from the more commonly grown cantaloupes and honeydews. It is also a good option for growers looking for something different in their melon patch. This shorter vine plant has impressive yields of sweet melons. The flesh is tender and delicious. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Sungold (Organic)85–110 days
Heirloom; Organic; Vegetable; Annual; heat-tolerant; drought-tolerant
85-110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Sungold Casaba Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, Casaba Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This variety is known for its heat tolerance and drought resistance, making it ideal for regions with hot summers. Its unique mild sweetness and creamy flesh make it stand out from the more commonly grown cantaloupes and honeydews. It is also a good option for growers looking for something different in their melon patch. This shorter vine plant has impressive yields of sweet melons. The flesh is tender and delicious. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Tam Dew85–115 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual; open-pollinated; heat tolerant
Resistance: HR: Downy Mildew; Powdery Mildew
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Tam Dew Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, Honeydew Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Downy and Powdery Mildew. This variety of honeydew matures at about 5 pounds with gorgeous green flesh and ivory skin. Tam Dew is a great shipper that can store for multiple weeks after harvest. The Texas Cooaperative Extension at Texas A&M recommends this variety specifically for growing in Texas. Tam Dew Melons are a fantastic variety, especially for those who love sweet, juicy, and fragrant honeydew melons. ~980 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Tremendous Hybrid85–115 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Tremendous Hybrid Casaba Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant, Casaba Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Tremendous Hybrid Casaba Melon will be one of the largest melons you will ever grow! The fruit can weigh up to 8 pounds or more and the vines can extend 8-10 feet if left to their own devices. This hybrid variety does not sacrifice size for flavor, either. The orange flesh is thick and incredibly sweet. A long season is required in order to harvest, but they are worth the wait! ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Whimsy F185–115 days
Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. inodorus. Whimsy Hybrid Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, F1 hybrid, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A type of Spanish Piel de Sapo melon, this special hybrid is as gorgeous on the outside as delicious on the inside. The crisp white flesh pairs well with sweet and savory foods, making it a culinary powerhouse. The vigorous vines promise an abundant harvest, and the stunning fruit will excite each bite! It can also be called a Christmas melon. ~900 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸White Crenshaw85–115 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. White Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant White Crenshaw Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The White Crenshaw Melon is renowned for its delicious flavor, creamy texture, and large size. This heirloom variety is often prized for its distinct characteristics and is favored by many gardeners for its sweetness and suitability for various culinary uses. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Schoon's Hardshell (Organic)88–95 days
Heirloom; Organic; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
Resistance: HR: Cracking; Fantastic For Storing Or Shipping
88-95 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Schoon's Hardshell Organic Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. This hard-shelled melon is resistant to cracking and fantastic for storing or shipping. The thick rind allows it to stand well in the field or market without impacting the flavor or texture. It is slow to ripen, but it has salmon-orange flesh with an intensely delicious flavor when ready. The gray-green skin has coarse gray-yellow netting. Schoon's Hardshell melon is an heirloom from New York state. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Ananas90–110 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
90-110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Ananas Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Originating from France, these sweet, juicy, and soft melons are easy to grow at home and produce well. The yellow-orange rinds have netting, and the delicate flesh turns from white to yellow when it matures. The melons mature at 4.5-5.5 pounds. The Ananas melon is highly prized for its unique and exotic flavor. Its pineapple-like taste is not found in any other melon. This melon has been cultivated for centuries, originally in areas around Turkey, and it is still grown today for its aromatic sweetness.~1200 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Piel de Sapo90–110 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual
90-110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Piel de Sapo Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, drought tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots and raised beds. Piel de Sapo, also known as Toad Skin Melon, Christmas Melon, or Santa Clause Melon, is a highly valued variety of melon originating from Spain. The name "Piel de Sapo" translates to "toad skin" in Spanish, a reference to the melon's rough, mottled green skin resembling the texture of a toad. This variety is popular for its distinct appearance and sweet, flavorful flesh. This Spanish heirloom is prized for its taste and storability. ~675 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Crenshaw93–127 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Crenshaw Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Crenshaw melon is a cross between the cantaloupe and casaba melons that has since become open-pollinated and achieved heirloom status. The Crenshaw melon has a sweet and unique flavor. This melon is softer than many other types and weighs around six pounds. They are perfect for anyone who enjoys fresh, homegrown produce and wants to try growing something a bit more exotic. Crenshaws are well-suited for warm climates and can be a rewarding challenge for more experienced gardeners. Plus, they have a longer shelf life than other melons, making them easier to store and enjoy.~750 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Crenshaw (Organic)93–127 days
Heirloom; Organic; Vegetable; Annual; heat-tolerant
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Crenshaw Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Crenshaw melon is a cross between the cantaloupe and casaba melons that has since become open-pollinated and achieved heirloom status. This melon is softer than many other types and weighs around six pounds. They are perfect for anyone who enjoys fresh, homegrown produce and wants to try growing something a bit more exotic. Crenshaws are well-suited for warm climates and can be a rewarding challenge for more experienced gardeners. Plus, they have a longer shelf life than other melons, making them easier to store and enjoy. ~750 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Golden Beauty93–127 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Golden Beauty Casaba Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant, Casaba Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots and raised beds. Golden Beauty Casaba is notable for its distinctive bright golden rind, which makes it stand out from other melons. Unlike its relatives, such as honeydew and cantaloupe, Casaba melons have a unique blend of mild sweetness with a hint of spiciness. Its thicker, golden-colored skin makes it more resistant to bruising, contributing to a longer shelf life. Also known as Golden Casaba. ~# seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Tendral Verde Tardif93–127 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. inodorus. Valencia Late Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant specialty Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Also known as the Valencia Winter Melon, this true heirloom variety dates back to at least the early 1800s and is said to have been grown by or be closely related to a variety that Thomas Jefferson grew at Monticello in Virginia. The dark green husk encapsulates delicious light green flesh. It ripens later than other melons, and so is typically harvested just before the first frost. Valencia Late is perfect for fall and winter food storage as the flavor and sweetness are enhanced by storage. ~840 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸New Melon110–120 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Vegetable; Annual
110-120 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Japanese New Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Developed in the 1950s for its fragrance and sweet-tasting fruit, the New Melon has smooth green skin and white to pale yellow flesh. Each plant produces roughly 4-8 melons. Japanese breeders developed this melon to create a uniform fruit that delivers consistently excellent quality in terms of flavor and appearance. It's the result of Japan's strong emphasis on fruit perfection, which makes this melon stand out as a gourmet variety. New Melons have a delicate sweetness and smooth, tender flesh that sets them apart from typical Western melons, which tend to have more robust, musky flavors. ~2,800 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗
Plan your melon planting
Add melon to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.
Start your free plan →At a glance
Storing & preserving
Refrigerate ripe fruit; ripen firm fruit at room temperature.
- Freeze: Freezes well raw; spread on a tray first so pieces stay loose.
- Preserve: Make jam or water-bath can high-acid fruit.
- Dry: Dehydrate or air-dry, then store airtight away from light.
General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Growing timeline
Companion planting — with cited sources
From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · ● traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.
Pairs well with (1)
- Common BeanEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationn-fixation
Bush bean intercrop contributes modest residual N and ground cover during melon establishment. Documented in several extension home-garden guides as a workable polyculture, with the caveat that beans must not over-shade young melon vines.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
Avoid planting near (1)
- Common CucumberEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsdisease-host, alternate-host-pest
Shared cucurbit pest/disease complex (downy mildew, bacterial wilt vectored by cucumber beetle). Avoid co-planting different cucurbits in the same bed.
Trap crops for this plant (2)
- Blue Hubbard SquashEvidence tier A: Peer-reviewed studies in US/Canada production conditions with a clear mechanismtrap-crop
Perimeter Blue Hubbard intercepts a documented 65-90% of cucumber beetles and squash bugs in muskmelon and cantaloupe production trials (UVM, USDA-ARS), reducing the need for foliar insecticide across the cash melon field.
Timing: Plant trap 1-2 weeks before cash crop.
Region: Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Midwest.
Source: University of Vermont Extension, USDA ARS
- Common RadishEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionstrap-crop, pest-deter
Interplanted radish reduces striped cucumber beetle feeding pressure on melon vines in early growth, documented in SARE and Agriculture Canada research.
Timing: Sow radish at melon transplant.
Source: SARE, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sources cited
- S1
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension — vegetable production guides
- S14
- University of Vermont Extension
- S18
- SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
- S20
- USDA ARS (Agricultural Research Service) publications
- S25
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- S7
- University of Minnesota Extension
- S9
- University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center
Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations
When to feed, prune & water
Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators
Protection- Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.
- Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.
Mulch and water the squash family
Watering- Routine careDeep weekly watering· every 1 wk · ~12 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cucurbits are thirsty and shallow-rooted. Water deeply about weekly (more in heat), at the base to keep foliage dry and slow mildew.
- Routine careMulch to hold moisturemoderate evidence — extension confidence
Lay straw or leaf mulch once established to even out soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit off bare soil.
Plan crop rotation
Rotation- Routine careRotate plant families between bedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid planting the same family in the same bed in consecutive years (aim for a 3+ year gap), grouping crops by family so soilborne diseases and pests that build up don't carry over to the next susceptible crop.
- Routine careSequence for soil healthmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Follow heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with legumes or a cover crop to support soil fertility and structure, and keep simple notes each year so you can track where each family grew.
Protect the garden from deer
Protection- Routine careFence the gardenstrong evidence — extension confidence
A fence about 8 feet tall and tight to the ground is the most reliable barrier; an outward-angled or double fence, or monofilament line strung at 30 to 36 inches, can also deter deer on smaller beds.
- Routine careRotate repellents as a supplement· every 2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Where fencing isn't feasible, apply odor/taste repellents and alternate formulations, reapplying every couple of weeks and after rain; combining repellents with fencing works best.
Water deeply at fruiting
Watering- Routine careProvide steady deep watering during fruiting· every 3 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Once plants begin flowering and setting fruit, supply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week in deep soakings rather than light sprinkles, ideally at the base; even moisture reduces cracking, blossom-end rot, and bitter or misshapen fruit.
Clean up debris and sanitize at season end
SanitationUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.
- Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.
Cutworm collars at transplant
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careSet a collar around each new transplantstrong evidence — extension confidence
When setting out transplants, slip a collar (a toilet-paper tube, paper cup with the bottom cut out, or similar) around each stem and press it a couple inches into the soil so it stands a few inches above ground, blocking cutworms from the stem.
Floating row cover timing
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careCover at planting and seal the edgesstrong evidence — extension confidence
Lay floating row cover over the crop right at seeding or transplanting and bury the edges with soil so pests can't get under; don't cover ground where the same crop grew last year, since overwintered pupae would emerge inside.
- Routine careRemove at flowering for pollinated cropsstrong evidence — extension confidence
On crops that need insect pollination, take the cover off once flowering begins so bees can reach the blooms; on self-pollinated or leafy crops you can leave it longer.
Harden off seedlings
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careGradually expose plants to the outdoors· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Starting about two weeks before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours and lengthen their time and sun exposure each day, avoiding windy days, to prevent transplant shock.
- Routine careEase back on water and transplant on a mild daystrong evidence — extension confidence
Water a little less during hardening (without letting plants wilt) to toughen growth, then transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy, calm day.
Trellis vining crops
SupportUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careInstall supports at planting timestrong evidence — extension confidence
Set up the trellis, netting, or teepee when you sow or transplant so roots aren't disturbed later; pole beans and tall peas need a sturdy 6-8 foot structure, while trellised cucumbers do best with smaller-fruited varieties.
- Routine careGuide young vines onto the support· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
As shoots run, gently steer them onto the trellis and loosely tie any that don't grab on; keeping vines and fruit off the ground improves airflow and yields cleaner produce.
Something looks wrong?
Describe what you see on your melonand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.
Cucurbit bacterial wilt
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove wilting plants and control beetlesstrong evidence — extension confidence
There's no cure once a plant is infected, so pull and discard wilting vines; the key is managing cucumber beetles, which carry the bacterium, since beetle control is the most effective way to prevent wilt.
- CulturalProtect young plants with row coverstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cover seedlings with floating row cover to keep beetles off during the vulnerable early stages, removing it at flowering so pollinators can reach the blooms.
Fusarium Wilt (Melon)
Diseasesevere- CulturalPlant resistant cultivars and rotate long-termstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow Fusarium-resistant muskmelon/melon cultivars and rotate many years away from melon, since the soilborne fungus survives 5-10+ years; there is no rescue treatment for infected plants.
- CulturalDelay planting until soil warmsmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Transplant only after soil has warmed and avoid plant stress, since cool soils and stress increase wilt severity.
Gummy Stem Blight / Black Rot (Cucurbits)
Diseasesevere- CulturalRotate, sanitize, and use clean seedstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use disease-free seed and rotate at least 2 years away from cucurbits, removing and destroying infected vines and fruit since the fungus survives in debris and seed. This is a prevention/management problem, not a cure.
- CulturalKeep foliage drystrong evidence — extension confidence
Switch to drip irrigation and space plants for airflow so leaves dry quickly, since free moisture drives infection.
Phytophthora blight (root and crown rot)
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove affected plants at first sign (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Infected plants can't be saved; promptly pull and destroy them at the start of an outbreak to slow spread, and avoid working in beds when wet.
- CulturalImprove drainage and avoid waterloggingstrong evidence — extension confidence
Plant on raised beds, never let beds stay saturated, and water with drip rather than flooding, since this water mold thrives in standing water and saturated soil.
- CulturalRotate and choose tolerant varietiesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Rotate out of peppers, cucurbits, and tomatoes for at least three years where the disease has occurred, and select tolerant or resistant varieties when available.
Phytophthora Fruit & Crown Rot (Cucurbits)
Diseasesevere- CulturalImprove drainage and avoid waterloggingstrong evidence — extension confidence
Plant on raised, well-drained beds, avoid low wet spots, and lengthen intervals between irrigations, since this water mold thrives in saturated soil. Once established it is very hard to control, so prevention is key.
- CulturalRotate and avoid infested fieldsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid sites with a Phytophthora history and rotate to non-host crops (avoid cucurbits, peppers, tomato, eggplant), since the oospores survive in soil for years.
- ChemicalApply oomycete-targeted fungicide preventively· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
As part of an integrated program, apply an oomycete-active fungicide (e.g., mefenoxam or phosphonate class) preventively before wet weather, rotating modes of action per the label.
Pickleworm (Southern Cucurbits)
Pestsevere- CulturalPlant early and use trap/less-preferred cropsstrong evidence — extension confidence
In southern regions plant early to harvest before populations build, prefer less-susceptible types (e.g., butternut), and remove infested fruit promptly, since larvae feed inside the fruit.
- OrganicTreat early before larvae bore in· every 5 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Scout flowers and apply a Bt (B. thuringiensis kurstaki) product targeting young larvae before they enter fruit, since internal feeders are protected once inside; repeat per the label.
- ChemicalApply insecticide on a tight schedule under heavy pressure· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Where pressure is severe, apply a labeled insecticide (e.g., pyrethroid or spinosyn class) timed to flowering and small larvae, per the label, rotating classes.
Root-knot nematodes
Nematodesevere- CulturalConfirm with a soil test, then rotate (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Root-knot nematodes can't be eradicated from garden soil, so confirm via a county Extension nematode assay and rotate beds to non-hosts or resistant varieties (look for VFN-type resistance in tomato).
- CulturalPlant suppressive cover/rotation cropsmoderate evidence — extension confidence
A solid planting of French marigolds grown 2+ months and turned under, or cover crops such as sorghum-sudangrass or cowpea, can lower populations between susceptible crops.
- CulturalSanitation and organic mattermoderate evidence — extension confidence
Avoid moving infested soil on tools or transplants, build soil organic matter to support beneficial organisms, and keep plants well watered to help them tolerate root damage.
Southern blight
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove infected plants and surrounding soil (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Once a plant collapses it can't be cured; dig out the plant plus the top few inches of nearby soil containing sclerotia and dispose of it, avoiding spread on tools.
- CulturalBury residue and rotatemoderate evidence — extension confidence
Deep-turn soil to bury sclerotia, remove crop debris at season end, and rotate susceptible solanaceous and legume crops with grasses for several seasons.
- CulturalAdjust soil pH and plant earlymoderate evidence — extension confidence
Maintain soil pH at the level recommended for the crop, since the disease is worse in low-pH soils, and time plantings so harvest begins before peak summer heat favors the fungus.
Squash vine borer
Pestsevere- CulturalRow-cover early; bury nodes for backup rootsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cover plants until flowering to block the egg-laying moth, then hand-pollinate or uncover. Mounding soil over vine nodes lets the plant re-root past a borer.
White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot)
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove infected plants (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
There's no cure for an infected plant; cut out and bag affected plants including the black sclerotia, and don't compost them, since sclerotia survive years in soil.
- CulturalOpen the canopy and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence
Space plants widely, control weeds, orient rows to prevailing wind, and avoid overhead watering at bloom to dry the canopy; rotate to non-host crops (corn or other grasses) for several years.
- CulturalWater at the base, not overheadmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Use drip or soaker irrigation to keep foliage and the soil surface drier, which discourages the sclerotia germination and mycelial growth that drive white mold.
Angular Leaf Spot (Cucurbits, bacterial)
Diseasemoderate- CulturalUse clean seed, rotate, avoid working wet plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Plant certified pathogen-free seed, rotate 2-3 years away from cucurbits, and never cultivate or harvest while foliage is wet, since this bacterial disease spreads in water and on hands and tools. Bacterial diseases are managed, not cured.
- CulturalAvoid overhead irrigationstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use drip irrigation and space plants for rapid drying, since splashing water spreads the bacteria.
- ChemicalApply copper preventively in warm humid weather· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
During warm, moist periods that favor disease, apply a fixed-copper bactericide preventively to slow spread, per the label; copper suppresses but does not eliminate the bacterium.
Anthracnose fruit rot
Diseasemoderate- CulturalMulch, stake, and harvest promptlystrong evidence — extension confidence
Stake and mulch to keep fruit off the soil, avoid overhead watering, and pick ripe fruit promptly; rotate out of the affected family for at least a year and remove infected debris.
- OrganicApply a labeled fungicide on schedule· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
From first fruit set onward, apply a labeled fungicide per the label on a regular schedule, covering fruit and leaf undersides, especially in extended wet weather.
Botrytis gray mold
Diseasemoderate- CulturalRemove infected tissue and old blossomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Prune out moldy leaves, stems, and fruit and clear fallen blossoms and debris where the fungus gets started, disposing of them rather than composting.
- CulturalImprove airflow and reduce leaf wetnessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Space and stake plants for good air movement, water at the base in the morning, and harvest ripe fruit promptly so botrytis has fewer cool, humid, wet surfaces to colonize.
Cucumber beetle
Pestmoderate- CulturalRow-cover early; clean up debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
These beetles also spread bacterial wilt, so block them with netting on young plants and remove garden debris where they overwinter.
- OrganicLabeled insecticide for heavy pressure - label use only· every 1 wk · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If wilt risk is high, a labeled product applied in the evening protects pollinators. Follow the label.
Damping-off (seedlings)
Diseasemoderate- CulturalDry out, ventilate, sow into clean mixstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use sterile seed-starting mix, bottom-water and let the surface dry between waterings, add airflow, and don't over-sow. Damping-off can't be cured once a seedling collapses.
Downy mildew
Diseasemoderate- CulturalSpace, prune, and water at the basestrong evidence — extension confidence
Improve airflow, remove infected leaves, and keep foliage dry. Resistant cucumber varieties help next season.
- ChemicalLabeled downy-mildew fungicide - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
In wet seasons a labeled fungicide on a 7-day schedule slows spread. Follow the label.
Iron deficiency (interveinal chlorosis)
Deficiencymoderate- CulturalTest and address soil pHstrong evidence — extension confidence
Iron is present but unavailable in high-pH soils, so test soil pH and, for the affected bed, lower pH toward the crop's preferred range (especially important for acid-loving blueberries) rather than just adding iron.
- OrganicUse chelated iron for a quick correction· every 2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
A foliar spray or soil drench of chelated iron can green up new growth per the label; soil-applied ferrous iron quickly oxidizes and becomes unavailable in high-pH soil, so chelate plus pH management works best.
Mosaic virus
Virusmoderate- CulturalRemove infected plants promptlystrong evidence — extension confidence
There's no cure, so pull and discard plants showing mosaic symptoms to limit spread, and wash hands and tools after handling them; control aphids that vector these viruses.
- CulturalUse resistant varieties and clean up weedsmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Where mosaic is a recurring problem, choose resistant varieties and remove weedy hosts nearby that can carry the virus over.
Potassium deficiency
Deficiencymoderate- CulturalConfirm with a soil test firststrong evidence — extension confidence
Edge scorch on older leaves has several causes, so get a soil test before adding potassium; over-applying can lock out magnesium and calcium.
- OrganicApply potassium per soil-test guidancemoderate evidence — extension confidence
If the test confirms low potassium, apply a potassium source (such as sulfate of potash) at the labeled/test-recommended rate and keep watering even, since drought worsens uptake.
Powdery mildew
Diseasemoderate- CulturalImprove airflow + remove worst leavesstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cut out the most heavily coated leaves and thin for airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
- OrganicPotassium-bicarbonate or sulfur - label use only· every 1 wk · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled potassium-bicarbonate or sulfur fungicide weekly per the label. No sulfur within 2 weeks of oil or in high heat.
Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage
Diseasemoderate- CulturalLet soil drain and water lessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water root rots like Pythium thrive in saturated soil, so cut back watering, let the surface dry between irrigations, and water at the base rather than keeping soil constantly wet.
- CulturalImprove drainage and aerationstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use raised beds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter to improve drainage; remove plants that are already rotted since affected roots won't recover.
Scab (Cucurbits)
Diseasemoderate- CulturalPlant resistant cultivars and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence
Use scab-resistant cucumber cultivars where available and rotate 2-3 years to non-cucurbit crops, removing crop debris to lower spore carryover.
- CulturalPromote rapid dryingstrong evidence — extension confidence
Choose well-drained sites with good air movement, avoid overhead irrigation and dense canopies, and avoid handling plants when wet.
Slugs & snails
Pestmoderate- CulturalTrap, hand-pick at night, reduce cover· every 2 days · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pick at night with a flashlight, set shallow beer traps, water in the morning so soil dries by dusk, and clear damp hiding spots.
- OrganicIron-phosphate bait - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Scatter a labeled iron-phosphate slug bait sparingly per the label; it's pet- and wildlife-safer than metaldehyde.
Spider mites
Pestmoderate- CulturalHose down and raise humidity· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Spray foliage (especially undersides) with water to dislodge them and reduce dust.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap or horticultural oil - label use only· every 5 days · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply to undersides per label; mites resist many products, so soaps/oils are preferred. Not in extreme heat.
Squash bug
Pestmoderate- CulturalCrush eggs, trap adults, hand-pick· every 3 days · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Scrape off the coppery egg clusters, lay a board by the base and collect bugs under it each morning. Easiest controlled early.
Stink bugs (brown marmorated and native)
Pestmoderate- CulturalExclude with row cover and clear nearby weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cover susceptible crops with floating row cover before bugs arrive, and remove weeds and groundcover near the garden in early spring where stink bugs feed before moving to crops. Lift covers on flowering crops that need pollination.
- CulturalHand-pick bugs and egg masses· every 3 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Scout in the morning and drop adults, nymphs, and egg clusters into a bucket of soapy water; regular hand-picking keeps low populations in check since most garden insecticides work poorly on adults.
- OrganicSpot-treat young nymphs if numbers climb· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If small nymphs are abundant, a botanical such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin, or insecticidal oil, may give some suppression per the label; adults are largely unaffected, so rely mainly on exclusion and hand-picking.
Thrips on fruiting vegetables
Pestmoderate- CulturalRemove weed and crop reservoirsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Control flowering weeds in and around the garden and remove spent host crops promptly, since thrips build up on these and move onto fruiting vegetables; avoid planting next to onions, garlic, or cereals where thrips numbers spike.
- CulturalKeep plants vigorous and rinse foliagemoderate evidence — extension confidence
Water and feed adequately so plants tolerate feeding, and a forceful water spray can knock down populations; reflective mulch can also deter thrips from settling on young plants.
- OrganicTreat with spinosad or oil if needed· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If thrips are damaging growing points or fruit, spinosad or insecticidal soap/oil can help per the label; rotate modes of action and avoid spraying open blooms to protect pollinators and natural enemies.
Whiteflies
Pestmoderate- CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.
- OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.
Cutworms
PestmoderateUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalPlace stem collars on transplantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Push a collar (cardboard tube, can, or cup with bottom removed) a couple inches into the soil around each stem so it extends a few inches above ground; this blocks cutworms from reaching the stem.
- CulturalScout soil and hand-remove· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
In the evening or early morning, check the soil around damaged plants and remove curled larvae by hand; tilling beds about two weeks before planting also reduces larvae and pupae.
- OrganicApply a labeled Bt or spinosad· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If damage continues, apply a labeled Bacillus thuringiensis (kurstaki) or spinosad product per the label, targeting small larvae; Bt works best on young first- and second-instar cutworms.
Phosphorus deficiency
DeficiencymoderateUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalCheck soil test and soil temperaturestrong evidence — extension confidence
Purpling in cold spring soils is often temporary, since cold roots can't take up phosphorus that's actually present; warm weather usually resolves it, so confirm a true shortage with a soil test before adding phosphorus.
- OrganicAdd phosphorus only if the test calls for itmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If low phosphorus is confirmed, work a phosphorus source into the root zone per the test recommendation, and keep soil pH in range since extreme pH ties up phosphorus.
Aphids
Pestlow- CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.
Edema (oedema)
Disorderlow- CulturalBalance watering and humiditystrong evidence — extension confidence
Edema comes from the plant taking up more water than it releases, not a pathogen, so water less often and water in the morning so roots aren't taking up water faster than leaves transpire on cool, humid days.
- CulturalImprove airflow and drainagestrong evidence — extension confidence
Space plants for good air movement, improve soil and container drainage, and avoid overcrowding under cover; affected leaves won't recover but new growth comes in normally once conditions balance.
Magnesium deficiency
Deficiencylow- CulturalConfirm with a soil test, then correct· every 2 wks · ~4 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Interveinal yellowing on older leaves suggests magnesium. Confirm with a test; if low, a dilute Epsom-salt foliar spray is a short-term fix while you amend the soil.
Nitrogen deficiency
Deficiencylow- CulturalFeed with balanced fertilizer· every 2 wks · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or fish emulsion; new growth greens up within ~2 weeks. Don't overcorrect.
Poor cucurbit fruit set
Disorderlow- CulturalHand-pollinate in the morning· every 2 days · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
On a dry morning when flowers are open, transfer pollen from a male flower (slim stem) to the center of each female flower (tiny fruit behind the bloom) with a small brush or by touching the bloom directly.
- CulturalSupport pollinators and wait out heatmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Avoid spraying insecticides during bloom and plant flowers to draw bees; very high heat skews plants toward male flowers, so set usually improves as temperatures moderate.
Transplant shock
DisorderlowUnusual this time of year.
- CulturalWater in well and provide shade· every 1 days · ~1 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water transplants in thoroughly at planting and keep the root zone evenly moist for the first week or two, and provide temporary shade during hot, sunny, or windy spells to reduce stress while roots establish.
- CulturalHarden off and plant gently next timestrong evidence — extension confidence
Most plants recover on their own; to prevent recurrence, harden off seedlings before planting, set them out in mild weather or evening, and avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting.