Cantaloupe, Minnesota Midget Seeds Cucumis melo

Cantaloupe seeds can be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past. Optimum soil temperature (not air temperature) should be 15-35°C (59-95°F) for seeds to germinate. Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Plant 2-3 seeds in mounds 60-90 cm (24-36") apart. Press seeds into the soil to ensure good contact and cover with 2.5 cm (1") of soil. After planting, water the seeds with a gentle mist or shower. It is critical to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy during germination. When your seedlings reach a height of a few centimetres (inches) and have developed 2 or 3 pairs of leaves, it is important to thin them out, according to the plant spacing indicated below. Do not allow the soil to become dry, as young plants have underdeveloped roots and can quickly dehydrate, particularly in windy conditions.

For an earlier crop, cantaloupe seeds can be started indoors 4 to 5 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist while they establish themselves in their new environment.

• Planting Depth: 2.5 cm (1")
• Seed Spacing: Sow seeds roughly 5 cm (2") per hill apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 1.5m (5') apart.
• Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm (24-36")
• Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.

Suggestions

• Cantaloupe is ready to pick when golden beige, has a distinct aroma, and slips easily from the vine.
• Mulch cantaloupe plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, control weeds, and keep fruit clean.
• Do not overwater while fruit is growing. Too much water (or rain) produces bland-tasting fruit.
• Once fruits have formed, raise them off the ground with pots; this increases air circulation and helps with rot and insects.
• Do not prune off leaves or shoots. The leaves produce the sugars which sweeten the fruits.
• Approximately a week before melons are ripe, reduce watering as much as possible to concentrate the fruit’s sugars.
• Once cantaloupe is picked, it continues to ripen but does not get any sweeter.