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Growing Gallo Galia Melon in the Vegetable Garden

Gallo Galia melons can be started either indoors or by direct sowing outdoors once the soil has warmed to at least 70 F, typically about two weeks after the last frost. If starting indoors, plant seeds about 0.5 inches deep in around 4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. When sowing directly in the garden, place the seeds 0.5 inches deep in well-draining, fertile soil in a sunny location.

These melons need space to spread. If planting directly into garden beds, plant seeds or transplants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 4-6 feet apart. For hill planting, a traditional method used with melons is to form small mounds of soil about 2 feet apart and sow 2-3 seeds per hill. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to the strongest one or two per hill.

Gallo Galia melons can be grown in large containers, but they need plenty of room for their roots and vines. Choose a container at least 18 inches deep and wide. Use a high-quality potting mix and add a trellis or support to guide the vines upward.

Water deeply at the base of the plants, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week(inclusive of rainfall), but avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and control weeds. Start with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium once the plants begin flowering. For container growing, prune the vines to train them along the trellis and focus the plant’s energy on fruit development.

Harvesting Gallo Galia Melon

You can tell they’re ready by checking the color of the rind, which should change from green to golden-yellow, and by the sweet, musky aroma they emit when fully ripe. The skin should also feel slightly soft near the stem end. Another indication of ripeness is if the melon easily detaches from the vine with a gentle twist. If it doesn’t come off easily, it may need a few more days to ripen. Once harvested, Gallo Galia melons should be stored in a cool place and can last a week or so in the fridge.

About Gallo Galia Melon Garden Seeds

The Galia melon itself was bred by crossing cantaloupe with honeydew, combining the best qualities of both- the netted skin of the cantaloupe and the sweet green flesh of the honeydew.

Their ability to thrive in warm climates and their adaptability to different growing methods (like container gardening and trellising) make them a desirable variety for gardeners of all levels.

Melons rely on pollinators like bees to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. Ensure your garden attracts pollinators by planting flowers nearby, like marigolds or zinnias. If pollination is low, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male flowers (those with thin stems) to female flowers (with a tiny melon at the base) using a small brush or cotton swab.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Staying on top of a watering and fertilizing schedule is even more important for container gardening melons than in-ground gardening. The water and nutrients get depleted quicker because there’s simply less soil for them to be housed in."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer