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Growing Green Flesh Organic Honeydew Melon in the Vegetable Garden
If growing in zones six or below, start the seeds indoors ahead of time. Plant them 0.5 inches deep in a well-draining organic seed starting mix such as coco coir. Ensure they receive ample light, warmth, and water throughout their indoor life. Then, harden the seedlings off, gradually getting them used to outdoor conditions over 1-2 weeks. For zones seven and above, you can directly plant the seeds in the garden once soil temperature consistently reaches 70 F. Plant them 0.5 inches deep. When planting the seeds or seedlings in the garden, space them about 24 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. They can be spaced closer together if pruning and trellising practices are employed.
Honeydew melons are heavy feeders, so prepare the soil by mixing in well-rotted compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting. Throughout the growing season, side-dress the plants with compost or fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. When the plants begin to flower, switch to an organic fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus to encourage fruiting. Water deeply once a week, aiming to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Adjust this based on local rainfall. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can promote diseases like powdery mildew.
For container growing, select a pot at least 24 inches wide and deep with at least 5 gallons of soil. Note that container-grown plants typically need more frequent irrigation and fertilization. If you are short on space or prefer vertical gardening, honeydew melons can be trained to grow up a trellis. If growing on a trellis, use soft ties to support the vines and provide slings or nets to cradle the developing fruits.
Harvesting Green Flesh Honeydew Melon
The best indication of ripeness is the change in the outer skin color, which turns from green to a pale yellow creamy color. The melon should also feel slightly softer at the blossom end, and you may notice a subtle, sweet fragrance. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the melon from the vine, leaving a small piece of the stem attached.
About Green Flesh Organic Honeydew Melon Garden Seeds
Green flesh honeydew melons are known for their excellent shelf life. The fruit can be stored for up to several weeks without losing flavor or texture, making it a great option for home gardeners who want fruit that lasts into winter.
Unlike some other melons, honeydew has a smooth, waxy outer skin, typically a pale yellow to light green in color when fully ripe.
Honeydew melons are thought to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa. They were introduced to Europe, particularly France, where they were highly valued and bred into the varieties we enjoy today.
Honeydew melons are low in calories and high in water content. They are also a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium and fiber.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"When it comes to organic gardening, the best pest or disease management program is one heavy on prevention! Do all you can to prevent a problem because it is quite difficult to get rid of a disease or pest infestation with organic methods."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Organic Green Flesh Honeydew Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g - Wholesale - Approximately 30 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Green Flesh Honeydew Organic Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
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Melon Type: |
Honeydew - Honeydew is a melon with a smooth rind and flesh that has a higher water content than cantaloupe. The sweet flesh is most commonly green but can also be yellow orange or very pale with a green or yellow tone. Honeydew lacks the musky odor of Cantaloupe. |
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon Color: |
The flesh inside is a pale to rich green, while the outer skin (rind) is smooth and light green to pale yellow when ripe. |
Green Flesh Honeydew Melon Flavor: |
The flavor of the green-fleshed honeydew is typically described as sweet, refreshing, and subtly floral. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
105 |
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: |
36-48 inches |
Plant Width: |
36-48 inches |
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, Container |
Melon Use: |
Fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a refreshing snack. It can also be used in desserts, salsas, and chilled soups. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |