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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."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer