Cantaloupe Seeds - Hales Best Jumbo - Cucumis melo

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 3-11 - Cantaloupe is a warm-season annual that is cultivated across all zones where a sufficiently long and hot growing season is available. Planting times are determined by local frost dates.

Best Performance - Thrives in Zones 5-10, where consistently hot summer temperatures and ample sunshine provide the ideal environment for the development of large, sweet, and flavorful melons.

Northern Zones (3-4) - The short growing season presents the primary challenge. It is essential to start seeds indoors in peat pots 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Utilize black plastic mulch to warm the soil and row covers to protect young plants and accumulate heat.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - An exceptional performer in these regions. Plant seeds directly into the garden in early spring for a mid-summer harvest. Heavy mulching is critical to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature during peak heat.

Soil Temperature - Germination requires very warm soil. The minimum soil temperature is 65 degrees F, with an optimal range of 70 to 90 degrees F for rapid and uniform sprouting.

Growing Season - This variety requires approximately 85-90 days of consistently warm, frost-free weather from seeding to the first mature fruit.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Sow:
Start seeds indoors in biodegradable peat pots 2-3 weeks prior to your last frost date, as melons are sensitive to root disturbance. For direct sowing, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is thoroughly warmed to at least 70 degrees F.

Sowing and Spacing:

Method: Plant seeds in "hills." Create mounds of rich soil that are 1-2 feet across. This improves drainage and allows the soil to warm faster.

Seed Depth: Plant 4-5 seeds 1 inch deep in the center of each hill.

Spacing: Space hills 4-6 feet apart, with 5-7 feet between rows to allow the vigorous vines ample space to spread.

Thinning: After seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin to the two or three strongest plants per hill.

Ongoing Care:

Light: Cantaloupe requires full, direct sun (a minimum of 8 hours per day) to produce sweet fruit.

Soil: A rich, fertile, well-drained soil with a high concentration of organic matter is necessary. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Water: Provide consistent and deep watering, supplying about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Reduce watering as the fruits approach maturity to concentrate the sugars and improve flavor.

Fertilizing: Melons are heavy feeders. Incorporate a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the hills before planting. Side-dress the plants with a balanced fertilizer when the vines begin to run and again after the first flowers appear. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen once fruit has set.

Support: Vines can be trained up a very strong trellis to save space. If trellising, provide support for the heavy, developing fruits by creating slings from fabric or netting.

Harvesting: Harvest when the melon's background color turns from green to a creamy yellow-tan. A crack will form around the stem where it attaches to the fruit. At peak ripeness, the melon will "slip" (detach) from the vine with only a slight tug and will have a noticeably sweet aroma at the blossom end.