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Growing Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
Ambrosia hybrid cantaloupe seeds should be sown 0.5 to 1 inch deep into the soil. If you’re planting outdoors (direct sowing), wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F. This ensures proper germination, as cantaloupes thrive in warm conditions. For regions with short growing seasons, you can start the seeds indoors about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost and transplant them once the soil warms up. Before planting, amend the soil with well-rotted compost or organic matter. Once planted, space the seeds or transplants 24 inches apart and space rows 5-6 feet apart.
Watering is crucial, especially during flowering and fruit set. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot. As the fruit nears maturity, reduce watering slightly to prevent the melons from becoming waterlogged or losing their sweetness. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once plants begin vining and again when fruits develop. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. You can pinch off the growing tips of the vines after a few fruits have set to concentrate energy. This variety is not typically recommended for trellising because of the large fruit size, but it is possible with the right preparations.
Harvesting Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon
Ambrosia melons are ready for harvest when the fruit reaches full size, the skin beneath the netting turns slightly yellowish, and the stem begins to naturally detach from the melon with a slight tug. You should be able to smell the melon’s sweet fragrance at the blossom end. Gently tug on the fruit. If it’s ripe, it will detach easily from the vine. If you encounter resistance, leave it to ripen a bit longer.
About Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
This variety was created for growers looking for a consistently high-quality, sweet melon that could be easily cultivated in home gardens or small farms.
Ambrosia is often described as one of the most flavorful cantaloupe varieties, with its rich, honey-like sweetness and distinctive aroma. The texture is smooth and buttery, which sets it apart from other melons that may be more fibrous.
Ambrosia is one of the top picks of all the cantaloupes for prosciutto-wrapped melon, a common appetizer.
This cantaloupe is considered a high-yielder because it produces multiple large melons per vine! Perfect for a market grower, a large family, or those hoping to share their produce with friends and family.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"You can create a variation of the three sister farming methods with cantaloupe! Plant a melon, corn, and bean variety together for a symbiotic relationship. Traditionally, squash is planted, but squash and melon are in the same family and offer similar things to the relationship."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Non-GMO Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
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Melon Type: |
Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe is a muskmelon with a scaly or 'netted' outer rind, and sweet flesh that is most commonly orange, but can also be yellow or green. The flavor can only be described as 'cantaloupe', while the odor is slightly musky. |
Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Color: |
Brown husk and orange flesh. |
Ambrosia Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: |
Sweet, juicy, and aromatic. The taste is rich with honey-like sweetness and a slightly floral undertone. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
85 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.5-1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
24 inches in row or 2-3 plants per hill. |
Row Spacing: |
6 Feet |
Plant Height: |
12-15 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Sprawling Vine |
Soil Preference: |
Melons prefer warm, well-draining but moist, nutrient-rich, loamy to sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-90 F). |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Melons may be started indoors 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed starting containers for long as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock. |
Melon Pollination: |
Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators. |
Plant Spread: |
48-72 inches |
Plant Width: |
48-72 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 80-95 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-95 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew. Generally, melons are commonly susceptible to pest damage by aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, cutworms, white flies, and melon worms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Melons are also susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, and Bacterial Wilt. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Melon Use: |
Fresh eating, salads (fruit or green), smoothies, slicing, smoothies, desserts. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |