Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Sierra Gold (Organic)
90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heat-tolerant cantaloupe. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Resistant to Powdery Mildew. The Sierra Gold Cantaloupe has quickly become a garden favorite. Its salmon-colored flesh and small seed cavity make it appealing to see and delicious to taste! The taste is described as “excellent” by the Garden Seed Inventory, which also mentions having a well-netted husk with distinct indistinct ribs. It is said to be one of the sweetest cantaloupe varieties on the market. 1,000 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Sierra Gold cantaloupe, start by selecting a site with full sun and well-drained soil, as these melons thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Plant the seeds about 0.5 inches deep. You can either directly sow the seeds outdoors or start them indoors and transplant them after the danger of frost has passed. If you're direct sowing, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 65-70 F for optimal germination. Seeds should be planted in rows, with plants spaced 24 inches apart and 4-6 feet between rows to allow room for the vines to spread.
Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days to prevent transplant shock. Start by placing them outside for a few hours a day, then increase the time until they are accustomed to outdoor weather.
When planting, mix compost or a balanced organic fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 blend) into the soil. As the plants grow, a side-dressing of fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium can help promote fruiting. Be careful not to overdo nitrogen, as it will encourage leaf growth at the expense of fruit. Water deeply at the base of the plant, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
Harvesting Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon
You'll know it’s time to harvest when the rind turns from green to tan and the netting on the skin becomes more pronounced. The stem will also start to crack and easily detach from the fruit when gently pulled, known as "slipping." Another indicator is the sweet fragrance that the fruit emits when fully ripe.
About Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
The name Sierra Gold likely comes from its golden-orange flesh, which is known for being particularly sweet and juicy. Its rich, aromatic flavor and firm texture make it a standout among cantaloupes.
Sierra Gold melons are ideal for fresh eating, whether sliced as a snack, added to fruit salads, or blended into smoothies. The sweetness and firm texture also make it a favorite for pairing with savory items like prosciutto or using in desserts like sorbets.
Cantaloupes are a great source of vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for immune health and skin. They’re also low in calories and high in water content
Overall, Sierra Gold cantaloupe is an excellent choice for home gardeners or market growers looking for a reliable, sweet, and disease-resistant melon.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"Cantaloupe always reminds me of my sister. She loved eating the fruit when we were growing up, and I did not like it at all. Now, I like it too, but I still can’t eat it without thinking of her!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g - Wholesale - Approximately 30 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Organic Sierra Gold 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. |
| Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Color: | Skin is brown and flesh is orange. |
| Organic Sierra Gold Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: | Intensely sweet, juicy, and aromatic with a balanced cantaloupe flavor. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 90 |
| 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: | Bush, 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: | 48-72 inches |
| Plant Width: | 48-72 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. 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: | Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts, fruit salads, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |