Cantaloupe - Hale's Best

HHale’s Best Heirloom cantaloupe with aromatic tangerine sorbet flavor. Oval fruits have slightly ribbed netted skin. Vine-ripened fruits average 5-6 pounds. Planting Tips: Melons are warm season annuals that grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Start transplants 4 weeks before planting date. Direct seed or transplant 1-2 weeks after danger of frost has passed, one row in the center of bed. Can also be planted in hills of 3-5 plants in rows 3-5’ apart. Seed Planting Depth - 1/2 inch, Seed Spacing - 3 seeds/foot, Days to Germination - 5-10 days, Plant spacing after thinning - 12-18 inches, Row spacing - 6 feet, Plant height - 24 inches. Harvest when skin turns gold and fruit slips.

Saving Seeds: If you save cantaloupe seeds, it is best to plant one type of cantaloupe per year. Otherwise, this plant may cross pollinate. Harvest when fruit reaches maturity. Cut melon in half, scoop out seeds into a strainer and rinse. Once all pulp is removed, lay the seeds in a thin layer on a paper towel, coffee filter or old screen. Dry for several days, place in an airtight container in a cool, dark dry location. Store seeds in a cool dry place. Be sure to keep them moisture free to prevent mold.