Melon, Organic (Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe)

Botanical Interests Organic Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe/Muskmelon Melon Seeds

Hearts of Gold' is a high-quality heirloom that can be grown in short season climates. These very productive plants produce fruit that is dark orange, firm-fleshed, and aromatic. Round, 3-pound fruits up to 6" in diameter.

Sowing Information:

• Light: Full sun
• When to Start Inside: Recommended for short-season areas. 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting within 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Sow into biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground; roots are sensitive to disturbance.
• When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when the soil temperature is 70°–90°F
• Seed Depth: ¼ inch
• Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound
• Row Spacing: 4–6 feet apart
• Thinning: Thin to 1 plant per mound
• Days to Germinate: 5–10 days
• Days to Maturity: 80 days

Growing Notes:

• Harvesting: Harvesting at the right time is very important with melons. A ripe melon will have a pleasant, fruity aroma at the blossom end; and a crack will form on the stem right near the point of attachment (this is called the "slip stage"). In a few days, the melon will detach from the vine with little effort and pressure. If it is somewhat difficult to detach the fruit from the vine, the melon is not ready yet. Do not allow to over-ripen. 
  
• Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
  
• Variety Info: Firm, juicy, and aromatic; up to 6" diameter, 3 pounds, with deep orange flesh. Skin is ribbed and heavily netted. Cross between 'Osage' and 'Nettedgem' from 1890.