Cantaloupe - Minnesota Midget (Heirloom)

Minnesota Midget: In addition to being an early blooming melon, it is compact and great for small gardens and containers. They are prolific producers and work well in cold weather locations. Measures 4” across and has sweet flesh. It is the perfect version of the classic muskmelon. Planting Tips: Indoor start is optional and should be done 3-4 weeks prior to the last frost in individual pots so roots are not disturbed when being hardened and planted outdoors. Outdoor starts need warm, rich, well drained soil. Plant 4 to 6 seeds in a mound leaving 3 inches of space between seeds. Do not start until after the last average frost and the soil is 65-75 degrees F. Minnesota Melon is resistant to Fusarium wilt. Vines grow to 4 feet long. Plants need 1-2 inches of water per week. If growing in a container, extra watering may be needed. Seed Planting - ½ -1 inch, Seed Spacing - 2-4 feet/hill, Days to Germination - 7-10, Plant spacing after thinning - 3 plants/hill, Days to maturity - 60-70, Plant height - 3-4 ft vines.

Saving Seeds: If saving seeds, it is best to only grow one type of melon as this seed needs to be separated from other seeds by 800 feet to half a mile. To harvest, cut the fruit and scoop out pulp and seeds into a colander or strainer. Rinse away the pulp from the seeds and lay them on a paper towel to dry in a cool place, away from the sun. Seeds are dry enough to be stored for up to 3 years when they can easily be snapped in half.