Melons . There ’s something about them — simple , sweet , and refreshingly gamy . If you ’ve never bite into one , think of the perfect summer dodging : a watermelon vine that ’s just as satisfying as it is hydrate , or a cantaloup vine that ’s practically bursting with syrupy sweetness . It ’s the form of fruit that cause you palpate like you ’re drinking from nature ’s own water feeding bottle .

melon vine love the heat and thrive in full Dominicus , growing like they own the home once they ’re in the basis . They usually ripen in the summer , and if you ’re golden , they ’ll reward your patience with a sweet , almost syrupy flavor that ’s perfect for those scorching 24-hour interval when all you desire is something cool to nibble on .

Now , they can be a turn needy when it comes to space — don’t even think about seek to grow them in a petite pot . melon vine are spreaders , pushing their vines all over the home , so give them room to straggle out and show off . And like any dependable summertime crack , they ’ll need a little care — unconstipated lacrimation and a little bit of fertilizer to keep them going through the long day of sun .

The works themselves ? astonishingly fairly for something that ’s basically a gargantuan dark-green kettle of fish of vines . Big , all-inclusive folio that catch the light and provide just enough shadiness for the melons to ripen to perfection . And do n’t forget about the flower — they’re not precisely showstoppers , but they do the chore and set the stage for that voluptuous payoff .

Melons are not only pleasant-tasting but alsonutritious , packed with vitamin A and C , potassium , and dietetical fiber . Their vivacious colors and gratifying , red-hot build make them a pet in yield salad , smoothie , and sweet . to boot , melons have a natural sweetness that meet cravings while being low in calories , making them a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a guilty conscience - gratis treat .

How to Grow Melons

get melons can be a rewarding experience , and with the right tending , you could love a handsome harvest . Below is a stride - by - step guide on how to plant , arise , and harvest melon .

Planting Melons

Growing Melons

Harvesting Melons

Tips for Success

Melon Growing Zone

Growing Melons FAQ

Plant melon vine seeds after the last freeze date in your area , when soil temperature are consistently above 60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) . In cooler climate , consider starting seeds indoors 2 - 4 weeks before the last frost .

Melons demand ample infinite for their sprawling vine . works seeds or seedling 2 - 3 feet aside in rows spaced 6 - 8 foot asunder . For modest gardens , consider vertical trellising to save infinite .

Melons are typically ready for harvest 70 - 100 days after constitute , depend on the kind . Signs of ripeness include a sweet smell , a slim softening at the bloom conclusion , and the melon well detaching from the vine with a gentle twist .

Yes , melons can be raise in large containers , at least 18 inches abstruse and wide , with good drainage .

Allow a few melons to amply mature and over - ripen on the vine . take up out the semen , wash them soundly , and spread them out to dry on a paper towel . Once completely dry , store the seed in a cool , glum place in an airtight container .

Yes , melons come in various eccentric , admit cantaloupes ( muskmelons ) , honeydews , and watermelons . Each type has different growing essential and flavors , so take the varieties best suited to your clime and taste preferences .