Growing Tips
- Planting
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When direct seeding plant ½” - 1” deep. Soil temperature should be 75 - 85ºF. Five to six feet is the recommended row spacing with 18 - 24 inches between plants. If starting with transplants sow 3 - 5 weeks prior to planting outside.
Planting Guidelines - MelonsApproximate Seeds per Pound:15,000 - 20,000Seeding Rate per Acre by Weight:4 - 4.8 ozSeeding Rate per Acre in M (1,000):3.8 - 6.1 MSeeding Rate Seeds per 1,000 foot of Row:500 - 667Seed or Plant Spacing In Row:18 - 24"Seed or Plant Spacing Between Rows:60 - 72"Seed or Plant Spacing Depth:.5 - 1"Recommended Soil Temperature:75 - 85°FDays to Germination:7 - 12
- Management
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To ensure high yields, place pollinators near fields. A melon needs to be visited by a bee three times to ensure proper pollination. Scout every 7 days for weed, insect, and disease pressure. Contact your local extension agent or consult the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for identification and treatment options.
- Harvest
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Harvest 30 - 35 days after pollination. If shipping, pick at half slip. When picking for fresh market, pick at ¾ to full slip. Wash fruit in peroxyacetic acid (peroxide and acetic acid), as a non-chlorine sanitizing option.
- Storage
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Cool to at least 70ºF and at 95% humidity. Shelf life is based on storage temperature. Do not cool below 32ºF.