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Growing Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew Melon in the Vegetable Garden

Plant honeydew melons in a warm, sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. This melon thrives in full sunlight and grows best when the soil temperature is consistently above 70 F. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to start seeds indoors about a month before your last frost date. When direct sowing, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warm. If you started seeds indoors, remember to harden off the seedlings before transplanting. Gradually expose the young plants to outdoor conditions over a week or so to avoid transplant shock.

Sow the seeds about 0.5 inches deep directly into the soil or starting pots. When direct sowing, plant 2-3 seeds per hill, with each hill spaced about 3-4 feet apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to the strongest one or two plants per hill. Proper spacing is crucial because honeydew vines will sprawl, requiring plenty of room to spread out.

Start by using an even fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Then, during fruiting and flowering, switch to a low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium option such as 5-10-10. Melons require consistent moisture, especially during fruit set and growth. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to root rot. Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the leaves. If you choose to support the vines on a trellis or other structure, make sure to provide slings or netting for the developing fruit to avoid strain on the stems.

Harvesting Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew Melon

The melon’s skin will turn from a greenish color to a creamy yellow, and the blossom end (opposite the stem) will feel slightly soft when gently pressed. You should also notice a sweet, fragrant aroma when the melon is ripe. Another clue is to check the tendril closest to the fruit’s stem; if it has dried up and turned brown, the fruit is likely ripe. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the melon from the vine, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruit off the vine, as this can damage the plant and nearby developing fruit.

About Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew Melon Garden Seeds

Bodacious Hybrid Honeydew Melons typically weigh around 5-6 pounds. Many gardeners and commercial growers consider this to be the perfect size for sale and home consumption.

Like other melons, Bodacious Hybrid honeydew is low in calories but rich in vitamins and nutrients. It is particularly high in vitamin C, which supports immune health, and vitamin B6, which helps with brain development and function.

Bodacious Hybrid shows good resistance to common diseases such as powdery mildew. Resistance to other pests like aphids or cucumber beetles depends on good garden practices, though it's not specifically bred for extreme pest resistance.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I used to think that I didn’t like honeydew. Then, one summer, I visited my aunt in Virginia. She cut up a perfectly ripe honeydew melon and served it to us as it. It changed my life! I guess I had never had a perfectly ripe one before."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer