Melon Seeds - Crenshaw - Crenshaw
110 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Crenshaw Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, 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. The Crenshaw melon has a sweet and unique flavor. 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 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. Once established, melons benefit from a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or a similar option. 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 products.
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, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Pruning and training are generally unnecessary for Crenshaw melons, but providing a support system, such as a trellis, can help manage the sprawling vines. For those growing melons vertically, you may need to support the developing fruit with slings to prevent the fruit from breaking off prematurely.
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 combination of their vibrant salmon-orange flesh, unique smooth texture, and golden-yellow skin makes them a favorite among melon connoisseurs and those looking for gourmet produce.
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
"Knowing when to harvest Crenshaw melons can be a little tricky but crucial for getting the best flavor. Melons do not slip easily from the vine like cantaloupes do, so you’ll have to watch for other signs of ripeness."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Crenshaw Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 75 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 750 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 12,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 60,000 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: | They are most often eaten fresh, either on their own or in fruit salads. Their sweet flavor makes them a great addition to smoothies and sorbets, or they can be paired with savory dishes like prosciutto and cheese. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |