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Growing Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon in the Vegetable Garden

You can either directly sow the seeds or transplant seedlings after hardening them off. Begin by selecting a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. If direct sowing, plant seeds about 0.5 inches deep in the soil after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 70 F. For transplanting, start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost. Space the seeds or seedlings within rows 24 inches apart, leaving 4-6 feet between rows to accommodate the vine spread. If growing in containers, choose a pot with at least 15-20 gallons and provide a trellis or support for the vines.

Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, hardening them off is crucial by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing the seedlings outside in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, increasing the time over a week. You can train the vines onto a trellis or other support structure if space is limited. Pruning excessive vines can help direct energy to fruit production, though it isn’t always necessary. Remove any damaged or dead leaves to improve airflow around the plant and reduce disease risk.

Watering should be consistent, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially as the fruit develops. Deep watering once a week (or more during hot weather) is ideal, targeting the roots rather than wetting the leaves to prevent diseases. Mulching around the base of the plants is highly recommended to improve water retention and reduce weeds. Use a balanced fertilizer early on, and switch to a high-potassium fertilizer as the fruit begins to set.

Harvesting Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon

You’ll know they are ready to harvest when the fruit develops a smooth, waxy skin and changes from a light green to a creamy, pale yellow. The melon should feel slightly soft near the blossom end, and the fruit should easily detach from the vine with gentle pressure. To harvest, carefully cut the melon from the vine using a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a short piece of stem attached to the fruit. Handle the melons gently to avoid bruising.

About Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon Garden Seeds

The Orange Flesh Honeydew is a hybrid variety that combines the smooth rind and juiciness of honeydew melons with the sweet, flavorful flesh of cantaloupes. It was bred to offer a distinct twist on traditional honeydews, giving them the vibrant orange flesh and sweeter taste often associated with cantaloupes.

Orange Flesh Honeydew Melons are rich in vitamins and nutrients, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, which support the immune system and promote healthy skin and vision.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Imagine you show up to a family picnic this summer with a honeydew-looking melon. But then you cut into it, and everyone gasps! It’s orange! What? Then they are all amazed when you tell them you grew it yourself in your garden and it’s a special variety you can’t get in the stores. Now you’ve earned your whole family’s respect, and it’s the talk of the event for the rest of the day. At least, that’s how it goes in my head…"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer