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Growing Amarillo Oro Melon in the Vegetable Garden

Before planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to provide a nutrient-rich base. The seeds should be sown at a 0.5 to 1-inch depth in 70 F soil. If you live in a cooler climate, starting seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date is recommended. Harden off the seedlings gradually for 1-2 weeks before planting out.

Melons are vining plants with plenty of room to spread. When planting directly in the garden, space seeds or seedlings 24 inches apart and allow 48 inches between rows. For hill planting, mound soil in small hills, spacing hills about 4-6 feet apart. Each hill can contain 3-4 seeds or seedlings, which can be thinned to the strongest 1-2 plants after germination.

Once the plants start to vine, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, as these will promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit production. To maintain soil fertility, you can also side-dress with compost during the growing season. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth, but avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases. Once the fruit develops, reduce watering slightly to prevent the fruit from becoming watery.

Once the vine sets a few fruits, pinch off new flowers and lateral vines to encourage the plant to focus on ripening the fruit. If the melons are developing on a trellis, you may need to support the fruit with slings (using old fabric or mesh) to prevent the heavy fruit from pulling the vines down.

Harvesting Amarillo Oro Melon

The best way to determine when they’re ready for harvest is by watching for the change in the rind's color. The skin will turn a vibrant golden-yellow when the melon is ripe. Additionally, the stem attached to the melon will begin to dry out and may naturally separate from the fruit. A slight aromatic fragrance may also develop near the stem.

To harvest, gently twist or cut the melon from the vine using clean garden shears. Avoid pulling or yanking, which can damage the vine or other developing fruits. Handle the fruit with care to avoid bruising.

About Amarillo Oro Melon Garden Seeds

The Amarillo Oro melon, also known as the Yellow Canary Melon, is believed to have originated in Spain or surrounding regions in the 1870s. Its popularity spread due to its ability to grow well in hot, dry climates, and its incredible sweetness made it a favorite for warm-weather regions.

The name "Amarillo Oro" translates to “Yellow Gold” in Spanish, a fitting name for this melon given its rich golden-yellow rind and high-quality fruit.

The firm, dense flesh of the melon ensures it can be transported without becoming mushy or overripe too quickly.

The sweet flesh is perfect for enjoying raw, sliced, or cubed. It's also used in fruit salads, desserts, smoothies, and chilled soups. For savory applications, it pairs beautifully with prosciutto or other cured meats in appetizers.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Connect to the idyllic Spanish countryside by growing Amarillo Gold melons! They are the perfect sweet and refreshing snack to satisfy after a long summer day outside. "

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer