Personal Size

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.

Planting Guidelines - Melons

Approximate Seeds per Pound:

15,000 - 20,000

Seeding Rate per Acre by Weight:

4 - 4.8 oz

Seeding Rate per Acre in M (1,000):

3.8 - 6.1 M

Seeding Rate Seeds per 1,000 foot of Row:

500 - 667

Seed 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°F

Days to Germination:

7 - 12

Management: 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: 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.