Melon Seeds - Crenshaw - Crenshaw (Organic)
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Organic Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Crenshaw Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Crenshaw melon is a cross between the cantaloupe and casaba melons that has since become open-pollinated and achieved heirloom status. This melon is softer than many other types and weighs around six pounds. They are perfect for anyone who enjoys fresh, homegrown produce and wants to try growing something a bit more exotic. Crenshaws are well-suited for warm climates and can be a rewarding challenge for more experienced gardeners. Plus, they have a longer shelf life than other melons, making them easier to store and enjoy. ~750 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic Crenshaw Melon in the Vegetable Garden
Crenshaw melons can be directly sown outdoors in zones 7-11 but must be started indoors in zones 6 and below. Zones 3 and below may not have enough growing days to produce ripe melons even when seedlings are started indoors beforehand. Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks ahead of time or wait to plant seeds outdoors until soil temperatures reach at least 70 F. When sowing seeds, plant them about 0.5 to 1 inch deep. Space each plant 24 inches apart to give the vines plenty of room to spread. If growing in rows, space the rows about 4-6 feet apart. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant when they reach a few inches tall.
Crenshaw melons are heavy feeders, so be sure to provide nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, amend the soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. While growing, use an organic balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or compost. Apply the first round of fertilizer when the plants begin to vine and then again when the melons are about the size of a tennis ball. Be careful not to over-fertilize with nitrogen-heavy.
Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruit development. Ensure the soil stays evenly moist, but avoid over-watering. Drip irrigation or watering at the base of the plants can help keep foliage dry. The best way to prevent being tempted to use pesticides of any kind is to have good cultivation practices that do not invite issues. Providing a support system, such as a trellis, can help manage the sprawling vines. You may need to support the developing fruit with slings to prevent the fruit from breaking off prematurely. The peak season for Crenshaw melons is August through September, with the fruit season beginning in July and ending in October.
Harvesting Crenshaw Melon
Crenshaw melons are ripe when the melon's skin turns a golden yellow, and you’ll notice a sweet, melon-like aroma from the stem area. The blossom end of the melon should feel slightly soft when pressed gently. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the melon from the vine, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the fruit. Handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
About Crenshaw Melon Garden Seeds
The variety was likely developed in the early 1900s in the United States, where it gained popularity for its large size and excellent flavor. The name “Crenshaw” likely doesn’t refer to a specific person but may have been a marketable name for a type of melon that had an exotic appeal at the time.
The Crenshaw's texture is silky smooth and not at all granular like some melons can be. You will be surprised by the sweet honey flavor of the sumptuous flesh. What a fantastic summer treat! Melons can be 6-10 pounds at maturity.
Crenshaw melons are most commonly eaten fresh and make a wonderful addition to fruit salads, smoothies, or just sliced and enjoyed on their own. Their sweet flavor pairs beautifully with savory ingredients, making them perfect for prosciutto wraps, cheese plates, or gourmet appetizers. Their juice can also be used in cocktails or refreshing summer drinks.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Preventative care, like proper crop rotation, good air circulation, and keeping the foliage dry, are the best defense against disease pressure."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Crenshaw 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 Crenshaw Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo |
| Melon Type: | Crenshaw - Crenshaw melons are typically oblong 'acorn shaped' fruits with a slightly rough yellow or green husk. The flesh is usually orange and more dense than other melons. The Flavor is mildly sweet with floral or spice notes. |
| Crenshaw Melon Color: | Yellow husk with orange flesh. |
| Crenshaw Melon Flavor: | Sweet, spicy flavor with a honeyed, almost floral aftertaste. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 110 |
| 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: | 48-72 inches |
| Plant Width: | 48-72inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 100-120 days or more. |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-95 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | 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: | Fruit salad, smoothies, sorbets, snacks, charcuterie boards, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |