Growing Tips
- Planting
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.
- Management
To ensure high yield place pollinators near fields. A melon needs to be visited by a bee three times to ensure proper pollination. Scout every seven days for weed, insect, and disease pressure. Contact your local extension agent or consult the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for identification and treatment options. https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-56-W%202020.pdf
- Harvest
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
Cool to at least 70ºF and at 95% humidity. Shelf life is based on storage temperature. Do not cool below 32ºF.