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Growing Organic Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Edisto 47 cantaloupe, sow the seeds directly into the soil once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70 F. Sow seeds at a depth of about 0.5 inches deep. If starting indoors, do so 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, but make sure to transplant carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Space the seeds 24 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart to allow the sprawling vines plenty of room. If you are short on space, Edisto 47 can be trellised, but ensure you provide enough support for the heavy fruits. If using a trellis, you can reduce plant spacing to about 12-18 inches apart. For raised beds, you may need to provide extra space around the edges for vines to trail over.
Before planting, mix in well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. Cantaloupes are heavy feeders, so an additional application of balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) or high-quality compost is recommended at planting and again when vines begin to flower. Water the plants regularly, providing 1-2 inches per week, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Harvesting Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon
You can tell they are ripe when the skin turns from green to a light tan or golden color, and the netting on the skin becomes more pronounced. The fruit will also develop a sweet aroma; the stem should separate easily from the fruit when gently tugging. Ripe melons may also feel slightly soft at the blossom end.
To harvest, simply grasp the melon and gently twist it off the vine. If it doesn’t come off easily, it may need a few more days to ripen. Avoid pulling or yanking on the fruit, which could damage the vine. Harvest melons early in the morning when they are cool for the best flavor. They will keep well for several weeks after being harvested.
About Organic Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
Edisto 47 was developed at Clemson University in South Carolina in 1965 as an improved version of the original "Edisto" cantaloupe. It was specifically bred to resist diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, and fusarium wilt, common problems in hot, humid growing regions.
These special Organic Edisto 47 seeds are harvested from exclusively organic-grown cantaloupes and are not treated or coated with anything before being shipped to you. They are the perfect cantaloupe to enjoy in your organic garden!
Edisto 47 is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which support immune function and skin health. It is also a good source of fiber and has high water content, making it a hydrating, low-calorie snack.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Seeds from True Leaf Market are always high quality. However, if you want to eliminate the risk of any kind of pesticide residue being present on your seeds, the organic seed options are the way to go."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Organic Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Edisto 47 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. |
Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Color: |
Brown husk and orange flesh. |
Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: |
Edisto 47 is known for its sweet flavor with a high sugar content, often described as having a richer, more complex flavor than standard cantaloupes. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
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: |
Sprawled, Trailing 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: |
36-48 inches |
Plant Width: |
36-48 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 80-95 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-95 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Alternaria Leaf Spot. 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: |
Primarily grown for fresh consumption. It’s excellent in fruit salads, snacks, or desserts due to its sweet, juicy flesh. It is also used in smoothies and cold soups. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat, Humidity |