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Growing Giallo Canary Rugoso Melon in the Vegetable Garden

To start planting your Giallo Canary Rugoso Melon, begin by sowing seeds at a depth of about 0.5 to 1 inch. This can be done indoors to get a head start on the growing season but is best directly sown outdoors after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70 F. For indoor sowing, plant seeds about 4 weeks before the last expected frost. For direct sowing, seeds can be planted once the danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring or early summer.

These melons need plenty of room to sprawl. If using traditional row planting, space seeds about 24 inches apart within rows, with rows spaced 6 feet apart. Another common method is hill planting, where you create small mounds of soil and plant 3-4 seeds per hill, spacing the hills about 4-6 feet apart. Once the plants sprout, thin to the strongest 2-3 plants per hill.

If starting indoors, hardening off seedlings before transplanting them outside is essential. Start by placing them outside for a few hours in a sheltered location, then gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week. Indoor-started seedlings can also grow in hills once in the garden.

Melons are heavy feeders, so preparing the soil by working in plenty of organic compost before planting is important. Throughout the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer or a high-phosphorus option for better fruit development. Side-dress the plants with compost or fertilizer when they start to flower and again when the fruits begin to form.

Melons need consistent, deep watering, especially during fruit formation. Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week. Prune excess lateral vines to focus growth on the main vine. Melons rely on pollinators to create fruit. Hand-pollinate if necessary.

Harvesting Giallo Canary Rugoso Melon

You’ll know they are ready when the skin turns a bright, vibrant yellow and the surface becomes slightly wrinkled or rough-textured. The stem near the fruit will start to crack, and the melon may slip easily off the vine with gentle pressure. The fruit will also emit a sweet, fragrant aroma when ripe. To harvest, cut the melon from the vine using clean garden shears or scissors, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the fruit to prolong storage life.

About Giallo Canary Rugoso Melon Garden Seeds

The Giallo Canary Rugoso Melon is a variety of Canary melon, which has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for centuries.

Its name comes from the Italian word “Giallo,” meaning yellow, referring to its vibrant skin color, and “Rugoso,” meaning wrinkled or rough, describing the unique texture of the rind. While known for a wrinkled rind, some may appear smoother than others.

One of the most notable features of this melon is its long shelf life compared to other melon varieties, making it a favorite for shipping and storage.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Be cautious not to overwater as the fruit matures, as excessive water can lead to bland or watery-tasting melons. Reduce watering slightly as the melons approach ripeness."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer