Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Imperial PMR 45 (Organic)
80-90 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Imperial PMR 45 Organic Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Highly resistant to Powdery Mildew. The Imperial PMR 45 variety of cantaloupe grows into hardy vines that produce large melons with a classic light golden coloring. It may mature a bit later than the classic Imperial 45 but has improved resistance to powdery mildew. Their flesh is sweet and delicious. This is your basic and classic Southern California market melon. Alternate names: Hale’s Best PMR No. 4, Imperial 45-ECS, and Imperial PMR 45 Shipper. ~1,100 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
The Imperial PMR 45 cantaloupe is a sturdy plant that does well when sown indoors and transplanted a few weeks later or sown directly outdoors. These seeds need rich and sandy soil, and it is best if the soil's pH level is between 6.5 and 7.5. Sow each seed with the pointed end pointing downwards. Keep four to six feet between the rows. Water them close to the ground, aiming not to get the vines wet in the process.
If sowing directly outdoors, plant the seeds about 0.5 inches deep, spacing each seed 24 inches apart. For those starting seeds indoors, harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outside. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a week or two, starting with just a few hours a day in a sheltered spot and then increasing exposure to direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
Fertile soil is key. Melons are heavy feeders, so applying a balanced organic fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) or well-rotted compost when the vines begin to run and again when the fruit begins to form can help boost production. Some gardeners prune the vines to focus energy on fewer fruits for larger melons.
Harvesting Imperial PMR 45 Organic Cantaloupe Melon
To know when to harvest, look for several key indicators: the rind should change to a tan or buff color with a well-defined netting, and the fruit should slip easily off the vine when gently pulled. You’ll also notice a sweet fragrance, especially around the blossom end of the melon, which signals that it’s fully ripe. You can also cut the melon from the vine, but be careful not to harvest too early.
About Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
Imperial PMR 45 is one of a few varieties of cantaloupe that have come as a result of I.D. Hale’s plant research and development efforts in the early 1900s. They are all outstanding varieties, especially for growing in California. While it used to be a new variety, it is now considered an heirloom.
This melon variety has remained a staple in gardens due to its reliable growth and high productivity. Its sweetness, rich aroma, and juicy flesh make it a favorite.
These melons will mature at 6.5 by 5.5 inches and weigh about 3-4 pounds. The husk has fine, solid netting with slight ribs. The Flesh is bright orange and delicious. This is a great cantaloupe for market growers looking to ship.
Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe is a great way to reduce pesticide use. There is no need to spray these plants with something to kill the powdery mildew. Their natural resistance, combined with proper cultivation methods, will ensure a fruitful harvest, even in PM-prone areas.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"One of the best tricks for successful organic gardening is choosing plant varieties that naturally require little to no chemical interference because they are already disease resistant! If you want an organic garden but know your area is prone to powdery mildew (humid climates), consider Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Organic Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 115 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 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 Organic Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo |
| 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. |
| Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Melon Color: | Husk is light brown and skin is golden orange. |
| Imperial PMR 45 Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: | Sweet, rich flavor with a juicy, aromatic quality. It has that classic cantaloupe taste, perfect for enjoying fresh. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 80-90 |
| 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: | Highly resistant to Powdery Mildew. 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: | The melon is typically eaten fresh but is also great for fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, and as a healthy snack. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |