Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Rocky Ford Green Flesh
89 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Rusts. Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupes are a unique variety of melon with deeply ribbed rinds covered in heavy netting. They grow dark green until they ripen when they turn into a yellow-ish tan color. The flesh is pale and medium green. They do remarkably well in hot and humid climates such as in the American South. They have a flavor unlike any other melon that is sweet, creamy, and spicy. The fruits mature at 2-3 pounds and about 5.5 by 4.5 inches.~900 seeds/oz.
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Growing Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
The Rocky Ford Green Flesh cantaloupe melon thrives in rich and sandy soil. Loosen up the soil with a garden tool before sowing, and add some extra compost on top of the soil to ensure it has the proper nutrients for vine growth. The soil should be kept moist, so water vines consistently each week, making sure to do so near the soil surface to keep the vines dry. These vines need warm weather and full sun.
Sow them outdoors in a warm environment, or sow them indoors and transplant them after the threat of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 0.5 inches deep directly into the ground. Space the seeds about 2-3 feet apart if planting in mounds or about 24 inches apart in rows, with 4-6 feet between rows to give the vining plants ample room to spread out. For earlier harvests, seeds can be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted once the seedlings are strong and the danger of frost has passed.
Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods and fruit development. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Melons benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. An initial boost of nitrogen is helpful early in the growing season, followed by a shift to potassium and phosphorus-rich fertilizers as flowering and fruiting begin. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Rocky Ford Green Flesh cantaloupes are good candidates for smaller gardens due to their shorter vine length compared to other cantaloupe varieties. As the vines produce melons, trim off any flowers or smaller melons that grow. This will keep the plants' energy directed at producing large and juicy melons.
Harvesting Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon
Rocky Ford melons are ready for harvest when the fruit easily separates from the vine, and the skin turns a uniform tan with pronounced netting. The melon should have a sweet fragrance. Gently twist or cut the melon from the vine. Be careful not to pull or damage the vines during harvest. If the melon doesn’t separate easily, wait another day or two and try again.
About Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
The Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe is from Rocky Ford, Colorado, where it gained fame for its exceptional flavor in the early 20th century. It was bred for its sweet green flesh, uniform netting, and vigorous growth.
While this cantaloupe is not considered a container-friendly variety, it is possible to grow it in very large containers. The containers should hold a minimum of 15 gallons of soil per planta nd beat at least 12 inches deep and wide.
Cantaloupes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“The Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon is an excellent choice for gardeners who appreciate heirloom varieties with superior taste and interesting history. "
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 80 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 900 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,600 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 14,400 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 72,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo |
| 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. |
| Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Color: | Green flesh and green husk with tan netting. |
| Rocky Ford Green Flesh Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: | The fruit has a very sweet, mild flavor, often described as creamy and refreshing. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 89 |
| 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 Rusts. 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, 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: | Rocky Ford melons are mainly used for fresh eating. They can also be added to fruit salads, desserts, or served as a refreshing snack. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |