Melon Seeds - Early Silver Line
76 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Early Silver Line Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Asian Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Early Silver Line Melon is admired for its striking look: bright yellow skin accented with white or pale green longitudinal stripes. Inside, the flesh is creamy-white, crisp, and fragrant. The plant is very productive and produces 2-pound fruits. Grow this variety for some delicious melon throughout the season. It can also be called chamoe, Korean melon, or Oriental melon.
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Growing Early Silver Line Melon in the Vegetable Garden
When starting Early Silver Line Melon seeds, it is best to wait until the soil and ambient temperatures are warm and stable. Direct sowing should occur when the soil temperature consistently reaches at least 70 F. Sow the seeds about 0.5 to 1 inch deep, placing two to three seeds per hill. Hills, or small mounds of soil, help improve drainage and warm the soil more quickly. Space the hills roughly 4 feet apart, and leave about 4 to 5 feet between rows to allow vines to spread. If transplanting from seedlings started indoors, harden them off gradually and transplant them outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
Throughout the growing season, ensure the plants receive consistent, even moisture, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and reduce weed competition. Feeding with a balanced, organic fertilizer or compost-enriched soil will support steady growth and fruit development. Side-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer once the vines begin to run and again when fruits form. Consider companion planting with marigolds or nasturtiums to help deter pests, and try planting alongside beans or peas, which can help improve soil nitrogen levels. Training the vines up a trellis is possible and can save space; gently tie the vines to supports as they grow.
Harvesting Early Silver Line Melon
You will know they are ready to harvest when the rind develops a vibrant yellow hue, accented by its distinct white stripes. The melon should have a slight give when gently pressed at the blossom end and have a subtle, sweet fragrance. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a short piece of stem attached. Handle the melons carefully to avoid bruising, and enjoy them soon after harvest for the best flavor and texture.
About Early Silver Line Melon Garden Seeds
This Korean melon variety was bred over centuries for its sweet, crisp flesh and early maturity, making it a great choice for growing in regions with shorter growing seasons or simply having early fruits to harvest before other common melons are ripe.
Often associated with East Asian cuisines, these melons are known in Korean markets as “chamoe.” Their unique appearance and flavor profile provide a special culinary experience different from Western melons.
While Early Silver Line isn’t considered a container variety, it is still a good candidate for large containers such as a half barrel or 55-gallon drum. The smaller fruit size is easier to manage in container settings than other melons.
Their crisp, juicy flesh and gentle sweetness make them a delightful and nutritious addition to warm-weather diets.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Stay vigilant for common pests such as aphids or cucumber beetles, and remove any infected foliage promptly to prevent the spread of disease."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo |
| Melon Type: | Asian - Different types of melons that are either varieties originating from, or are very popular in one or more Asian countries. These may include cantaloupes, honeydew, pickling melons and other Asian melon classes. Other - There are many categories of melons and anything not included in one of the named categories here are included in 'other'. These include but aren't limited to Galia, Canary, Charentais, Winter, Piel de Sapo, Christmas melons, etc. |
| Early Silver Line Melon Color: | Orange to yellow skin and flesh with striping on the rind. |
| Early Silver Line Melon Flavor: | Sweet, mild, and refreshingly crisp. It’s not as strongly perfumed as some melons but has a delicate sweetness and a pleasantly crunchy texture, somewhat reminiscent of a cross between a honeydew and a firm pear. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 76 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5-1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 48-72 inches or 2-3 plants per hill. |
| Row Spacing: | 4-6 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 Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest around 50-75 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: | Commonly eaten fresh, sliced as a snack, in fruit salads, or as a refreshing dessert component. It can also be used in smoothies or light pickling. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |