Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Green Nutmeg
61-89 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, AAS winner, heat tolerant, drought tolerant, Cantaloupe Melon. Suitable for growing in containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Green Nutmeg melon has an interesting history, being one of the older American heirloom melons, dating back to at least the early 1800s. The fruit was once extremely popular and praised for its intense fragrance and sweet flavor, reminiscent of nutmeg- hence the name. It’s ideal for limited space, such as small garden plots or containers. The aroma of these melons is extremely inviting, and the fruit’s fragrance can fill a room when ripe.~1,100 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
To grow Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe in a traditional garden bed or plot, select a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Melons thrive in rich, fertile soil, so prepare the bed by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting. Sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F, or transplant seedlings that were started indoors. Space the plants 24 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart to allow ample room for the vines to spread. Be sure to mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which will give your melons a healthy start and reduce competition for nutrients.
Growing Green Nutmeg in containers is a great option for those with limited space, such as patios or balconies. Choose a container of at least 5 gallons per plant to provide enough room for the melon’s roots to grow and thrive. Ensure the container has proper drainage holes. Fill the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Plant the seeds or transplant seedlings into the container, spacing them about 12 inches apart if growing multiple plants in a large container. Containers tend to dry out faster, so regular watering is essential.
Regardless of the growing method: Water deeply at the base of the plants, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week, and avoid getting the leaves wet to reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and again when the plants start to vine. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. As the plants grow, pruning excess foliage can help increase airflow and reduce disease risk. This melon variety is a vining plant, so providing space for the vines to sprawl or train them up a trellis is important for maximizing airflow and keeping the fruits off the ground.
Harvesting Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon
You’ll know they’re ready when the fruit has a sweet, musky fragrance and the skin has turned from green to tan with noticeable netting. When ripe, the melon easily slips from the vine with a gentle tug, known as the "slip stage." If the melon does not come off easily, try again in another day. Harvesting melons at their peak ripeness is important, as they will not continue to ripen significantly after being picked.
About Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
Green Nutmeg was widely grown in the northeastern US in the 1800s. It is an heirloom variety that was once extremely popular for its spicy-sweet flavor and intense aroma.
According to the Garden Seed Inventory, this melon was described as “the very best” by Fearing Burr Jr in 1863.
The greenish-orange flesh is taken from 2-3lb fruits.
Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe grows remarkably well in northern climates.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"I always thought that I didn’t like cantaloupe. The flavor wasn’t my favorite, and I enjoyed so many other fruits more. But then I tried a home-grown cantaloupe of a superior quality to that sold in the stores. They might as well be different fruits altogether!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe 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 Green Nutmeg 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. |
| Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon Color: | Brown husk and green flesh. |
| Green Nutmeg Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: | sugary, musky, and slightly spiced flavor profile. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 61-89 |
| 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: | Bush, 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: | 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, Containers |
| Melon Use: | Fresh eating. It can be enjoyed as a snack, in fruit salads, smoothies, or paired with cured meats like prosciutto for an appetizer. |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |