Cucumis melo & Citrullus lanatus

Melon and Watermelon

The sweet succulence of summer-ripe melons is irresistibly tempting, but the health benefits of these luscious fruits shouldn't be overlooked. Look to red-fleshed melons to fortify the heart and urinary tract. Yellow and orange flesh types provide support to the immune system, heart and vision. Green-fleshed varieties promote strong bones and teeth as well as vision health. We've selected varieties that are successful in both southern and northern gardens.

Shop Now

The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 70–85°F
Seed Depth ½"
Days to Emergence 3–10
Soil Temp for Transplant 60°F
Plant Spacing 3–4'
Row Spacing 5–6'
Fertilizer Needs High
Minimum Germination 80%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 20–40
Seed Life 3 years

Get the Basics

More About The Seeds & Plants

Melon Disease Resistance Key

Anthracnose Fungal disease causing dark, sunken lesions on plants.
Early (Alternaria) Blight Fungal disease causing concentric spots, blight on leaves.
Fusarium Wilt Fungal disease causing yellowing, wilting plant leaves.
Melon Necrotic Spot Virus Viral disease causing necrotic spots, stunted growth.
Powdery Mildew
Papaya Ringspot Virus Viral disease causing ring spots, distorted cucurbits.
Watermelon Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mosaic patterns, stunting.
Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing yellow mosaics, stunted growth.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

More About

Melons: Cucumis melo
Watermelons: Citrullus lanatus

Days to maturity are calculated from transplant date.

Culture
• Melons and watermelons perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Apply 1/2 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer and a shovelful of compost to each plant
• Watermelons are less tolerant of cool conditions than melons — the use of plastic mulch or floating row cover is highly recommended
• Monitor the temperature under the row covers on hot days, especially early in the season
• Remove covers prior to flowering for pollination

Direct Sowing
• Soil temperature is critical for good germination and only recommended in warmer climates

Transplanting
• Start indoors in 4 inch pots, 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Grow the seedlings under dry, warm conditions
• Avoid letting starts get root bound; transplant carefully as to not disturb roots
• Fertilize seedlings with a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as Age Old Grow

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cucumber beetles
• Insect control: Pyrethrin and row covers
• Common diseases: Bacterial wilt and powdery mildew
• Disease control: Neem
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, avoid overhead watering

Harvest & Storage
• Cantaloupe will easily slip from vine when ripe
• With other melons, check the leaf where fruit is attached to the vine — fruit is mature when this leaf begins to yellow
• Watermelons are ready for harvest when the tendril closest to the fruit is dry and brown or when the bottom side of the fruit is yellow
• Melons and watermelons will not ripen off vine
• Pick in the cool of the day and chill quickly
• Melons: store at 40°F and 95% relative humidity
• Watermelons: store at 50-60°F and 85% relative humidity

KEY TO MELON DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
A | Anthracnose
AB | Early (Alternaria) Blight
F* | Fusarium Wilt
MNSV | Melon Necrotic Spot Virus
PM* | Powdery Mildew
PRV | Papaya Ringspot Virus
WMV | Watermelon Mosaic Virus
ZYMV | Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus
*Numbers indicate specific disease race.

Our Team's Trusted Pick

A Watermelon That Will Shine in Every Garden

Blacktail Mountain Watermelon is our employee favorite for its rich, sweet flavor and dependable performance in cool or short-season climates. Bred for northern growers, it ripens early yet delivers deep red, juicy flesh with classic watermelon taste. Hardy, productive, and delicious. Blacktail Mountain is a reliable favorite from summer to fall.

BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN

Vegetable | watermelon | seeded

From $4.95

70-75 days. Developed in Northern Idaho where summer nights dip into the 40s, we can attest to how well Blacktail Mountain performs at our cool trial ground. A consistently high producer of 9 inch round, dark green fruit with candy-sweet, red flesh. Also performs well in hot climates, making this a wonderful choice for any gardener.