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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."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer