Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Emerald Gem
70-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo var. cantalupensiso. Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Emerald Gem Cantaloupe's bright orange flesh is exceptionally juicy and sweet, often described as meltingly tender. Its rind is pale green with a slight netting, thinner than many other cantaloupes. This melon is known for producing compact, flavorful fruit, making it a favorite for home gardeners who prize taste over size. Developed in the late 1800s by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., the Emerald Gem has been a garden favorite for over a century, particularly in the U.S., due to its incredible flavor and reliable production. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
To plant Emerald Gem Cantaloupe, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and sow seeds 0.5 inches deep once the soil warms to at least 70 F, 1-2 weeks after the last frost. Space seeds 24 inches apart with rows 4-6 feet apart to allow for vine growth. Use the same spacing for hill planting, but spacing can be slightly reduced for trellising. If starting indoors, sow seeds 2-4 weeks before transplanting, and harden off seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 F, ensuring the plants are in a warm, sunny location.
Throughout the growing season, maintain consistent watering, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which helps reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer early on, then switch to one higher in phosphorus and potassium as the fruit develops. Prune excess vines if needed, and support the fruit with slings if the plant is grown vertically. Consider planting alongside companion plants like corn or beans, and avoid cucumbers and potatoes.
Harvesting Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon
Harvest Emerald Gem melons around 70-90 days after planting, when the fruit easily detaches from the vine with a gentle twist. Look for a fragrant aroma, slight softness at the blossom end, and a pale green rind.
About Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
People are drawn to Emerald Gem melons primarily for their flavor. The flesh is incredibly sweet, juicy, and aromatic, often considered one of the best-tasting melons available.
Unlike commercial hybrid melons that prioritize size, shipping durability, or disease resistance, Emerald Gem was bred for taste, making it perfect for home gardeners who prioritize flavor over other factors.
Despite its high sugar content, cantaloupe is still considered to be quite healthy, being rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
This historic variety produces 2-3 pound fruits perfect for single servings or smaller families, reducing waste that can come from larger cantaloupes.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"When talking about antioxidants, most people think of berries. While those are great sources, cantaloupe is also a great way to consume antioxidants! Antioxidants are important because they promote healthy skin, boost the immune system, and help fight free radicals."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Edisto 47 Cantaloupe Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,100 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,400 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 17,600 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 88,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 440,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo var. cantalupensiso |
| Melon Type: | Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe is a muskmelon with a scaly or 'netted' outer rind, and sweet flesh that is most commonly orange, but can also be yellow or green. The flavor can only be described as 'cantaloupe', while the odor is slightly musky. |
| Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon Color: | The rind is light green, and the flesh is a rich, deep orange. |
| Emerald Gem Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: | Sweet and aromatic. It’s widely considered to be one of the sweetest cantaloupes around. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 70-90 |
| 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: | 48-72 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Mid - Ready for harvest around 80-95 days. |
| 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: | Primarily enjoyed fresh, in fruit salads, desserts, or just sliced on its own. Its high sugar content also makes it perfect for making refreshing smoothies or summer beverages. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |