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Growing Golden Beauty Casaba Melon in the Vegetable Garden
When planting Golden Beauty Casaba melon, you can start by direct sowing seeds outdoors or starting them indoors and transplanting them later. If starting indoors, sow seeds about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 0.5 to 1 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Melon seeds require warmth to germinate, so maintain a temperature of 70-85 F. If you’re direct sowing outdoors, wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F for proper germination. Once the seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, thin them so that the strongest plant remains every 2 feet. Before transplanting or direct sowing, harden off your seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant the seeds about 24 inches apart in rows spaced 4-6 feet apart to give the sprawling vines plenty of room.
Melons are heavy feeders, so applying a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and then side-dressing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once the vines begin to grow is recommended. Watering is critical, especially during the flowering and fruit development stages. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves.
Melons benefit from pruning and training. Pinch off the growing tips of the vines when they are about 3-4 feet long to encourage lateral shoots, which will bear more fruit. Companion plants that work well with Golden Beauty Casaba melons include corn, radishes, marigolds, and beans, as they can help deter pests or improve the growing environment. Avoid planting melons near potatoes or cucumbers, as they may attract similar pests or compete for nutrients.
Harvesting Golden Beauty Casaba Melon
You’ll know it’s time to harvest when the fruit has developed a bright golden-yellow color and the skin becomes slightly wrinkled at the stem end. The fruit will also have a subtle, sweet fragrance, and the bottom of the melon will feel slightly softer when pressed. To harvest, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the melon from the vine, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem attached to the fruit. Avoid pulling or twisting the fruit off the vine, which can damage the plant or melon.
About Golden Beauty Casaba Melon Garden Seeds
This melon belongs to the inodorus group of melons, meaning it has a tougher, thicker skin and doesn’t emit as strong a fragrance as other melon types, like cantaloupes.
Casaba melons are said to be from Asian Minor, in modern-day Turkey, where it was cultivated for its ability to withstand heat.
This variety stands out due to its ability to store for weeks to months after harvest without losing flavor or texture. The thick rind protects the fruit from bruising and delays spoilage.
The name “Casaba” likely originates from the Kasaba region in Turkey, a melon-growing area.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Casaba melons are used much less often than cantaloupes or honeydew in the United States, but they can be used similarly to these well-known fruits. They can be eaten fresh, like fruit salads, smoothies, or cold soups. Because of their mild flavor, they pair well with savory dishes, like prosciutto or cheese boards."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Golden Beauty Casaba Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately # Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately # Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately # Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately # Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately # Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately # Seeds
Non-GMO Golden Beauty Casaba Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
|
| Melon Type: |
Casaba - Casaba melons have a ridged husk and typically have a pointed end. The color of the husk is most often yellow but can also be green. Flesh is typically yellow, pale yellow or orange. Mildly sweet the flesh tastes like asian pear or sweet cucumber with a very slight peppery kick. Casaba has a very slight musky odor. |
| Golden Beauty Casaba Melon Color: |
Yellow husk and white flesh. |
| Golden Beauty Casaba Melon Flavor: |
Milder than most melons, with a lightly sweet and slightly spicy flavor. The flesh is more refreshing than sugary. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: |
110 |
| 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: |
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 |
| Melon Use: |
Fruit salads, snacking, fresh eating, smoothies, paired with other foods on charcuterie boards, etc. |
| Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |