Cantaloupe - Hearts of Gold (Heirloom)

Hearts of Gold: This vigorous plant bears a medium size cantaloupe. Vine-ripened fruits average 2-3 pounds and the skin will be heavily netted with a thin rind. They are ready to harvest when the melons turn from green to a yellow or tan, and they break off the vine easily with a light pressure from your thumb. You may also smell a fruity aroma near them as they ripen. Planting Tips: Melons are warm season annuals that grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. While direct sowing is recommended, indoor starts can begin 3-4 weeks before the last average frost. Be sure to harden off anything started indoors before transplanting outside. 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. Direct sow 6 seeds per hill, 9 to 12 inches high and 2 feet wide. Thin to 3 plants per hill after the first ture leaves appear. Seed Planting Depth - 1/2 inch, Seed Spacing - 3 seeds/foot, Days to Germination - 5-10 days, Plant spacing after thinning - 3 plants per hill, Hill spacing - 6 feet, Plant vine length - 36-72 inches.

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. Be sure to keep them moisture free to prevent mold.