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Growing White Crenshaw Melon in the Vegetable Garden
White Crenshaw melons can be directly sown outdoors in zones 7-11 but must be started indoors 2-4 weeks ahead of time in zones 6 and below. Zones 3 and below may not have enough growing days to produce ripe melons even when seedlings are started indoors beforehand. If starting indoors, plant the seeds about 0.5 inches deep in small pots or seed trays, ensuring the pots have good drainage. If you plan to sow outdoors directly, sow the seeds in the garden after the last frost, also at 0.5 inches deep, in groups of 2-3 seeds per hill, spacing hills about 4-6 feet apart. When the seedlings reach a few inches tall, thin them to 1-2 of the strongest plants per hill.
For raised beds or garden plots, maintain a 24-36 inches spacing between plants to give the vines plenty of room to spread. Rows should be 4-6 feet apart to accommodate their vigorous growth. If you have limited space, you can grow these melons vertically using a trellis, which promotes air circulation and prevents the fruit from sitting on wet soil, reducing disease risks.
If starting seeds indoors, harden off seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting. This process helps prevent transplant shock. Once the plants are in the ground, they need regular watering, especially during fruit development. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Use mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
White Crenshaw melons are heavy feeders. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer or compost into the soil before planting. Once the vines begin to spread and set fruit, side-dress with a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus (e.g., a 5-10-10 or similar ratio) to encourage healthy fruit growth. Prune vines sparingly to help control size and shape, but avoid removing too many leaves, as they provide necessary shade for the fruit.
Harvesting White Crenshaw Melon
White Crenshaw Melons are ready to harvest when they have a strong, pleasant aroma, and the stem begins to dry or separate from the fruit with ease. They won't slip off the vine like some other melons but should be cut with a sharp knife when mature. The skin will remain pale greenish-white, and a gentle press will feel slightly soft.
About White Crenshaw Melon Garden Seeds
The Crenshaw Melon originated in the Middle East and was brought to the United States in the early 20th century, where it has been cultivated and cherished by melon lovers ever since.
Be gentle when handling the fruit to avoid bruising, and store it in a cool, dry place after picking. Melons can continue to ripen slightly off the vine, but they taste best when harvested at peak ripeness.
White Crenshaw melons are vining plants and usually need more space than most containers allow. However, a very large container (at least 18-24 inches in diameter) could work if you provide a trellis or grow them vertically.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"White Crenshaw Melons are grown for their exceptional flavor and large fruit size. They’re ideal for gardeners seeking a unique heirloom melon with a distinctive taste. They are ideal for fresh consumption and will impress in any fruit salad or dessert, making them an attractive choice for home gardeners and market sellers alike."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
White Crenshaw 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 White Crenshaw Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
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Melon Type: |
Crenshaw - Crenshaw melons are typically oblong 'acorn shaped' fruits with a slightly rough yellow or green husk. The flesh is usually orange and more dense than other melons. The Flavor is mildly sweet with floral or spice notes. |
White Crenshaw Melon Color: |
Green husk with orangish-white flesh. |
White Crenshaw Melon Flavor: |
The flesh is aromatic, sweet, and subtle with a smooth, fine texture. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
100 |
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: |
Primarily used fresh in fruit salads, desserts, or eaten on its own. It can also be pureed for smoothies or chilled soups. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |