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Growing Golden Honeymoon Melon in the Vegetable Garden
Direct sowing is typically recommended, as melons don’t like their roots disturbed, but you can start seeds indoors if needed. For direct sowing, plant seeds once the soil has warmed to at least 70 F, and all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds at a depth of about 0.5 inch. Space the seeds 18-24 inches apart within rows, and space rows 4-6 feet apart to allow for the vines to sprawl. If transplanting, start seeds indoors about 2-4 weeks before the last frost and harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week before planting them out.
For hill planting Golden Honeymoon Honeydew Melons, create small mounds or "hills" about 3-4 feet apart. This method helps with drainage and gives the plants a warmer soil environment, which melons love. On each hill, plant 4-6 seeds spaced evenly around the top, about 0.5 inches deep. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to the 2-3 strongest plants per hill to ensure they have enough space to thrive. Hills are especially useful if you have heavy or clay soil.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or a high-potassium fertilizer once flowering begins. Watering should be consistent, with about 1-2 inches of water per week, focusing on watering at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. Once the fruits start setting, reduce watering slightly to prevent splitting and enhance sweetness. While the vines typically sprawl across the ground, providing a trellis or support system can help keep the fruit clean, improve airflow, and prevent rot. If grown on a trellis, the melons may need to be supported with slings as they develop.
Harvesting Golden Honeymoon Melon
You can tell it is ripe because the rind will change to a more intense golden-yellow color, and the skin should feel slightly soft when pressed. You may also notice a pleasant, sweet aroma around the melon, and the blossom end (opposite the stem) will give slightly when pressed. To harvest, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the melon from the vine, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached. Handle melons gently to avoid bruising.
About Golden Honeymoon Melon Garden Seeds
This rare honeydew melon can’t be found in grocery stores or even at typical farmers' markets. It is a specialty variety perfect for growing in short growing seasons. Golden Honeymoon can have a melon ready for you in just about 3 months!
Melons can be grown alongside good companion plants like corn, beans, or radishes, which help deter pests. Avoid planting near potatoes or squash, as they may compete for nutrients or share similar pests.
Golden Honeymoon melons are low in calories but high in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system, and they also provide a good amount of fiber, aiding in digestion.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"Whether for home use or selling at a farmer’s market, Golden Honeymoon melons are sure to impress with their unique appearance, rich flavor, and excellent quality."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Golden Honeymoon 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 Golden Honeymoon 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 a 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. |
Golden Honeymoon Melon Color: |
Light green flesh and golden-yellow rind. |
Golden Honeymoon Melon Flavor: |
Unique flavor that’s not too sweet. It is described as mild flavored. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
92 |
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: |
Resistant to sunburn. 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: |
It’s mainly used for fresh eating in fruit salads, smoothies, or simply sliced on its own. It can also be a refreshing ingredient in summer desserts or chilled soups. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |