Melon Seeds - Cantaloupe - Minnesota Midget (Organic)
65-70 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Vegetable Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, organic, open-pollinated, heirloom cantaloupe seeds. This cantaloupe variety is a small, sweet melon. These miniature melons have light golden flesh, like a classic cantaloupe. The vine produces melons that reach 4-6 inches in diameter and weigh up to 1.5 lbs. This variety grows best in summer in full sun in zones 3 to 9, and it thrives in rich, sandy soil. ~935 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe in the Vegetable Garden
< p> Direct-sow Minnesota Midget seeds 0.5 inch deep once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70 F, or start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time in peat or paper pots to avoid disturbing the sensitive roots at transplant. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart, allowing 4 to 6 feet between rows or hills.
Keep soil consistently moist through germination and early growth, then water deeply about once or twice a week as vines establish. Because the vines stay compact at only 3 to 4 feet long, this variety suits raised beds, small garden plots, or even a large container on a patio.
Harvesting Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe
Melons are ready to pick once the rind turns from green to a golden, netted tan and the fruit slips easily from the vine with gentle pressure. A sweet, fragrant aroma at the blossom end is another good sign of ripeness. Since each vine produces a limited number of melons over a few weeks rather than continuously, expect to harvest a handful of fruits in succession rather than one large single harvest.
About Organic Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Garden Seeds
Minnesota Midget was bred at the University of Minnesota in 1948 to give northern gardeners with short growing seasons a reliable, early-maturing cantaloupe.
Its compact vines were specifically selected to thrive in small garden spaces and containers, without sacrificing the sweet, classic cantaloupe flavor of full-sized varieties.
Despite its miniature fruit size, this heirloom packs concentrated sweetness and aroma, making it a favorite for small households and single servings.
Tips From Our Gardeners
Stop watering about a week before you expect to harvest. Cutting back on water near the end concentrates the fruit's sugars for a noticeably sweeter melon.
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Organic Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g Packet - Approximately 132 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 935 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 3,740 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 14,960 Seeds
- 5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 74,800 Seeds
Non-GMO Organic Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucumis melo |
| Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Color: | Golden netted rind with light orange flesh. |
| Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe Flavor: | Sweet and aromatic with concentrated cantaloupe flavor. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Days to Maturity: | 65-70 days |
| Days to Germination: | 4-10 days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.5 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 18-24 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 48-72 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-18 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Vining |
| Soil Preference: | Fertile, well-draining soil high in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0-7.0. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer, 70-90 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes, after the last frost once soil temperatures reach at least 70 F. |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors, if preferred. |
| Plant Width: | 36-48 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 70-85 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Relatively pest-resistant compared to larger melon varieties. Watch for cucumber beetles, especially during early growth, and powdery mildew later in the season. |
| Garden Size: | Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |