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Growing Ananas Melon in the Vegetable Garden

First, select a sunny location with well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. The soil should be rich in organic matter, so adding compost before planting is recommended. These melons thrive in warm conditions, so wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65 F.

Plant the seeds 0.5 inches deep and 24 inches apart in 6-foot spaced rows. Some gardeners prefer hill planting, where 2-3 seeds are planted in small mounds spaced about 4-6 feet apart, thinning to the strongest seedling per mound once they've sprouted. If starting seeds indoors, sow them about 4 weeks before the last frost date. Once the seedlings develop 2–3 true leaves and outdoor temperatures consistently remain above 65 F, they can be transplanted. Before transplanting seedlings started indoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.

Ananas melons require consistent watering, especially during the flowering and fruit development. Water deeply, about 1-2 inches per week. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the vines begin to run. Once fruits begin to set, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruit production rather than leafy growth.

Melon flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. If you notice a lack of pollinators, you can hand-pollinate by gently brushing pollen from male flowers onto female flowers using a small paintbrush. Good companion plants for Ananas melons include corn, sunflowers, and beans. Avoid planting near potatoes or cucumbers, which can compete for nutrients and attract similar pests.

Harvesting Ananas Melon

You know the melons are ripe when you can smell a sweet aroma from the blossom end, the rind turns pale yellowish green, and the netting on the skin becomes more pronounced. The stem that connects the fruit to the vine may also detach or begin to die back. To harvest, gently twist or cut the melon from the vine. Be careful not to bruise the fruit, as melons are delicate when fully ripe. Store the melons in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer storage.

About Ananas Melon Garden Seeds

The Ananas melon is an ancient variety believed to have originated in France or the Mediterranean region, where it was cultivated for its unique flavor and aroma. Over time, it became a popular heirloom variety in Europe and eventually made its way to the Americas.

Its name, "Ananas," comes from the word for pineapple in several languages, such as French and German, due to its tropical, pineapple-like flavor.

These melons are typically enjoyed fresh in fruit salads, desserts, or snacks.

While not traditionally grown in containers due to their large vine spread, Ananas melons can be grown in containers if given ample space or trained vertically with a trellis.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"When growing heavy feeders like melons, I have found that focusing on high soil fertility is better than frequent fertilization. It is easy to over-fertilize with synthetic fertilizers and cause too much leaf growth or even burning. With high-quality soil enriched with compost, you avoid that risk while also providing all the necessary nutrients."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer