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Growing Katsura Giant Pickling Melon in the Vegetable Garden

You can either start seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors after the last frost. If starting indoors, plant seeds in biodegradable pots about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date to allow for easy transplanting. For optimal growth, amend the garden soil before planting with organic compost or well-balanced fertilizer. If sowing directly outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 70 F for best germination. Plant the seeds .5-1 inch deep, 48-72 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. Closer spacing is possible with good ventilation and trellising. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out to one plant per hill or cluster to avoid competition for resources.

Katsura Giant Pickling Melon requires regular watering, especially during fruit development, as it helps ensure the melons grow plump and healthy. Water deeply, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Consistent watering is crucial, especially in hot weather. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of powdery mildew; drip irrigation is ideal to keep the leaves dry. During the growing season, side-dress the plants with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (like 5-10-10) once the vines start to grow rapidly and again when the flowers appear.

Pruning the vines isn't typically necessary unless they become too unruly or dense, which could inhibit airflow and increase disease risk. However, if you're growing in a small space or using a trellis, you can train the vines to climb or prune them to focus the plant’s energy on fewer, larger fruits. Pinching off the tips of the vines once they reach about 6-8 feet in length can encourage lateral growth and improve air circulation.

Harvesting Katsura Giant Pickling Melon

You’ll know the melon is ripe when the skin changes to a light yellow-green color, and the fruit feels firm but slightly soft when gently pressed. The melon should also easily slip off the vine with a slight tug or twist, a classic sign of melon ripeness. It's best to harvest in the morning when the fruits are cool and hydrated.

About Katsura Giant Pickling Melon Garden Seeds

The Katsura Giant Pickling Melon is from the Kyoto region of Japan. It was bred specifically for its firm texture and mild flavor, making it ideal for pickling, a traditional method of food preservation in Japan.

Other alternate names for this melon include: tsit kwa, uet kwa, bai gua, cai gua, yue gue, oshiro uri, Kyuri-melon or Kyoto Pickling Melon.

It is often used in tsukemono (Japanese pickled vegetables), where its texture absorbs the flavors of the pickling brine, whether salty, sweet, or a combination of both. Unlike sweeter melons like Cantaloupe or Honeydew, this variety was never intended for fresh eating but rather as a key ingredient in preserving food for the winter months.

Katsura Giant is a low-calorie, hydrating fruit that provides vitamins like Vitamin C and some fiber.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"The Katsura Pickling melon is like a cross between honeydew and cucumber. It is not sweet like a cucumber but has the texture of a sweet melon."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer