Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost, plant out 2 weeks after last frost. Do not over water. Direct sow 1-2 weeks after last frost date. Sow in rows or thin to 2-3 plants per hill. Melons are heat lovers, and require warm springs and warm nights. In cooler climates, use plastic mulch to increase the soil and air temperature. Using floating row covers also helps. Heavy feeder, thrive in well-decayed organic matter or compost. Moist well-drained soil is important in early stages of pollination. After fruit set, do not water unless the soil is very dry and leaves begin to wilt. Best flavor produced in dry weather. Fruit is mature when fruit turns color and slips from the vine. Soil pH 6-7.5. Hardiness zones 4. Annual.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 1,260 seeds per ounce. Average 15M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1/2 mile.
Planting Depth 1/4-1/2”
Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚F
Days to Germ. 3-10
Plant Spacing 18”
Row Spacing 5-6’
Days To Maturity 80
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained
Hale's Best Jumbo Seed Count
1 Ounce ≈ 1,013 seeds
.25 Pound ≈ 4,050 seeds
1 Pound ≈ 16,200 seeds