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Growing Oshiro Uri Numane Pickling Melon in the Vegetable Garden

YYou can either direct sow the seeds in the garden or start them indoors for an earlier start, especially in cooler climates. Sow the seeds about 0.5 to 1 inch deep in the soil. This depth ensures good soil contact and helps protect the seeds from drying out or being eaten by birds. Melons are highly sensitive to cold, so planting too early outdoors can stunt their growth or even kill the young plants. Space the plants 24 inches in a row or 2-3 plants per hill. Rows about 4-6 feet apart. If you are using a trellis or support system, you can space them closer together (about 1-2 feet), but make sure there’s plenty of air circulation to prevent disease

Melons prefer well-draining, fertile soil, so amend your garden bed with compost or aged manure before planting. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) works best. Melons are heavy feeders, so adding a slow-release organic fertilizer or a balanced NPK fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at the time of planting will provide the nutrients they need to grow vigorously. Water the plants deeply and consistently, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages.

After the plants start to grow, you can fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer. As fruit sets, switching to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (such as a 5-10-10 blend) will encourage better fruit production and flavor. If space is limited or if you're growing the melons vertically, training the vines on a trellis or support system can help manage the plant’s spread. You can prune back excessive growth to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

Harvesting Oshiro Uri Numane Pickling Melon

You’ll know the melon is ripe when the skin changes to a creamier, more golden color, and the fruit gives off a sweet, fragrant aroma. 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 Oshiro Uri Numane Pickling Melon Garden Seeds

The melon has Japanese origins, specifically tied to the Okinawa region, where it has been grown traditionally. It holds a significant place in Okinawan culture and cuisine.

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.

Unlike many melons, which have a pronounced sweetness, the Oshiro Uri Numane melon has a more subtle flavor. This melon is known for its balance of refreshing juiciness and firm texture, which makes it versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.

One recipe that is a favorite is to slice the melon into disks, 0.75-1 inch thick, scoop out the seeds, and stuff these melon rings with either diced beef, pork, fish, or vegetables and steam them. This is often done with bitter melon but it works great with Numane melons as well.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you're growing melons on the ground instead of a trellis, placing a piece of straw or cardboard under the developing fruit can help prevent contact with the soil, which reduces the risk of rot."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer