How to Plant Honeydew From Seed
- Choose the site. Honeydew melons require ample space and full sun to thrive.
- Prepare the soil bed. Honeydew melons prefer fertile, well-draining soil with organic matter.
- Set up trellises or mounds.
- Plant the seeds.
- Water.
- Thin the seedlings.
- Mulch around the seedlings.
How long does it take to grow a honeydew?
Honeydew melons mature in 65 to 100 days, depending on the cultivar.
Can you grow honeydew from store bought?
In order to grow seeds from a store-bought melon, it’s essential the seeds are harvested, cleaned, and stored properly. In addition, many grocery store melons were picked before they were ripe, which can result in immature seeds that won’t germinate.
Can you grow honeydew indoors?
Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can start honeydew indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors.
When should I start honeydew seeds?
Plan to start honeydew seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost in your area. Much advice leans on direct sowing honeydew seeds outdoors, which you can do after the soil warms and all threat of frost has passed. Check your growing zone’s final frost date before doing so.
How many melons will one plant produce?
To grow them successfully you need to provide them with warmth, water and food. They can be quite vigorous, so regular pruning is needed to keep them under control. Each plant should produce two to four melons.
Do honeydew melons need a trellis?
Honeydew melons grow vines that require a lot of surface area in the garden. These plants grow best either on raised mounds (six inches tall, spaced four to six feet apart) or on trellises (spaced three to four feet apart).
Do honeydew plants need a trellis?
Growing Melons Vertically
You’ll need a trellis at least 8 feet tall to support the vines of a full-sized melon plant. Plant melons at the base of the trellis, spaced 12 inches apart for cantaloupe or honeydew and 24 inches apart for watermelon. Slings made from fabric or mesh support the melons as they grow.
Can melons be grown in pots?
While you can grow full-size melons in containers, you’ll get the best results with dwarf cultivars that produce smaller fruits and shorter vines.
Can I grow melons from their seeds?
You can either transplant or direct seed melons. For best performance, plant melons in hot, sunny locations with fertile, well drained soils. Plant melon seeds 1 week to 10 days before the last spring frost date. Watermelon and honeydew are more cold-sensitive than cantaloupe.
How big does honeydew grow?
In appearance, the honeydew melon is oval to round with a smooth creamy yellow rind that is peeled to reveal the aromatic, pale green interior. These melons weigh about 4-8 pounds (2 to 3.5 kg.) and grow upon a vine that produces three to four melons.
Can honeydew grow in shade?
Quick Guide to Growing Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons
Plant cantaloupe in an area with warm soil (70°F+) and plenty of sun.
Can I plant cantaloupe and honeydew together?
The fruit can be pale yellow, light green or bright orange. Seeds fill the hollow centers. Try planting both cantaloupes and honeydews this year. They’re easy to grow and are planted the same way.
Do melon seeds have to dry before planting?
Fresh cantaloupe seeds need to be dried and properly stored for future sowing. Spread the seeds on a sheet of newspaper or paper towels and set them in a warm, airy place to dry. To prevent mold and mildew growth on the seeds, stir them every day to ensure the whole seed is exposed to circulating air.
What grows well with melons?
Melons are one of the most compatible plants in the garden and do well when planted with most anything including beans, peas, onions, leeks, chives, and garlic. They also flourish with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, kale, okra, cauliflower, spinach, brussel sprouts, and lettuce.
How do you pinch a melon plant?
As soon as the plant has formed 3 to 5 leaves, you must pinch off its tip, snipping the main stem off with your fingers to trigger sending off of new shoots. After that, once the new stems have formed, pinch them off, too, after the 3rd leaf.
What can you plant next to honeydew?
Companion Plants:
| Good | Bad | |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Nasturtiums | Cucumbers |
| Broccoli | Okra | Potatoes |
| Butternut Squash | Onions | Watermelon |
| Catnip | Oregano |
How do you prune a honeydew plant?
Using pruning shears, cut lateral vines that grow from the primary up to the eighth leaf node. Take care not to damage the main stem when cutting back the cantaloupe plants. Leave 1-2 lateral vines untouched. Once the melons begin to form, remove all but a single fruit per vine.
How do I save honeydew melon seeds?
Spread the good seeds out on a paper towel or a screen. Allow them to dry for several days. Storing melon seeds that are not completely dry results in moldy seeds. Once the seeds are very dry, place them in a clean, dry glass jar.
How deep are melon roots?
Planting Melons
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| Germination | 75 – 95 F |
| Root Depth | Shallow in general, some up to 4′ |
| Height | 24″ |
| Width | up to 30 – 40 square feet |
Can you grow melons in hanging baskets?
While these fruits are heavy, you can grow melons on a trellis as long as you create a strong support system for the vine and each fruit.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.