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Growing Hale’s Best 45 PMR Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden

To grow Hale's Best 45 PMR melon, start by preparing the planting site with loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Melons prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. If direct sowing in the garden, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 70 F and all danger of frost has passed. Sow 0.5 to 1 inch deep. Sow the seeds directly into the soil in small hills or mounds spaced about 4 to 6 feet apart to give the sprawling vines plenty of room to grow. Space seeds 18 to 24 inches apart within the mounds. You can also start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.

When starting seeds indoors, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting. Begin by placing them outside for a few hours in partial shade, increasing exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures daily. Once hardened off, transplant seedlings into the garden, maintaining the same spacing recommendations as for direct sowing.

Keep the soil consistently moist and water at the base of the plants. Once fruits start to form, reduce watering slightly to prevent cracking and improve the sweetness of the melons. Use a balanced fertilizer at first (such as 10-10-10) and then switch to a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertilizer (like 5-10-10) to support fruit development. If growing melons vertically, use soft ties to gently secure the vines to the trellis, and consider adding slings or nets to support the developing fruits. Regular pruning of excess side shoots can help focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

Harvesting Hale’s Best 45 PMR Cantaloupe Melon

You can tell when a melon is ready to harvest by several signs: the skin will turn from green to a tan color with a pronounced netting pattern, and the stem will begin to crack and pull away from the fruit. Additionally, the melon will emit a strong, sweet aroma. Gently tugging the fruit should cause it to separate easily from the vine.

About Hale’s Best 45 PMR Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds

This variety was bred for its reliability in the garden, offering a balance of productivity, flavor, and disease resistance. It’s also a hardy choice for gardeners in warm, dry climates, as it can tolerate some drought and heat, although consistent watering will improve fruit quality.

This variety is suitable for containers, but be sure to use a minimum of 5 gallons of soil and 12 inches of soil depth per cantaloupe plant when container gardening.

This is the same world-famous cantaloupe variety that was found in a Japanese American garden in California, only with powdery mildew resistance!

Be gentle when handling the fruit, as they can bruise easily. Store melons in a cool, dry place and enjoy them fresh within a few days for the best flavor.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To encourage pollination, companion plants like marigolds, borage, or bee-attracting herbs such as basil or dill can help attract pollinators."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer