Large and pale green with a light floral scent, Honeydew melons (Cucumis melo) are a warm-weather fruit that does well in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They do best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 11.
Where does honeydew grow best?
Cantaloupe and honeydew are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 65 and 75 °F. It is best to plant when the soil temperature is at least 60 to 65 °F.
What temperature can honeydew tolerate?
Protect from the elements. Honeydew melons are a warm-weather crop that requires warm soil and temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.
Where do honeydew melons grow?
Honeydew melons thrive in semiarid, sunny climates and are grown worldwide. China and Turkey are the leading producers of the melons, followed by the United States in California and Arizona.
How much water do honeydew plants need?
Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level.
How long does honeydew take to grow?
Honeydew melons mature in 65 to 100 days, depending on the cultivar.
Is honeydew a winter melon?
Honeydew, casaba, and Cavaillon melons are classed as winter melons because they ripen more slowly than other melons and are usually not ready until late fall. After harvest, they even continue to ripen in storage. Honeydews should have a smooth, evenly yellow rind that is slightly green at the stem end.
What temperature is too hot for melons?
Watermelons grow best in air temperatures ranging from 70° to 90°F (21-32°C). Avoid growing watermelon where night temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C); this will cause the fruit to lose flavor. If temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).
What temperature do melons grow in?
Melon seed germination is best between 70°F and 90°F. Plant only after the soil temperature has reached 65°F, when nights as well as days are warm.
Can melon grow in the cold weather?
Watermelons can withstand temperatures down to 33 degrees Fahrenheit, but when hit by frost, watermelon plants will be killed. Do not plant watermelons outside until the danger of frost has passed in your area.
Where do melons grow naturally?
central Asia
The melon plant is native to central Asia, and its many cultivated varieties are widely grown in warm regions around the world. Most commercially important melons are sweet and eaten fresh, though some varieties can be made into preserves or pickled.
How long does melon take to grow?
Melons plants require 8-10 weeks of good, hot growing weather from the middle of June to the end of August. During that time, a melon vine must grow 5-9 leaves before starting to flower, then set 4 or more male flowers before making its first female flower, and then ripen its fruit before cool, damp weather sets in.
How long do honeydew melons last?
A whole, uncut cantaloupe or honeydew melon should last for seven to 10 days in the refrigerator. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks. The picture gets somewhat bleaker once you’ve sliced into your fruit.
Can you grow honeydew in pots?
Honeydew melons provide a sweet summer treat, but container growing requires special consideration for the long vines. You can grow honeydews in containers on balconies or porches if you provide the necessary support to train the vines vertically.
What grows well with honeydew melon?
There are several plants that grow well with honeydew. It can be grown with basil, broccoli, corn, dill, garlic, and mint, just to name a few. The only crops you should not grow near honeydew are cantaloupe, cucumbers, and watermelon, all of which attract similar pests and spread similar diseases to each other.
Can you grow melons 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.
How much space does a honeydew need?
Space plants 36 to 42 inches apart. Or, to save space, plant melons 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis.
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.
When should I plant honeydew melon?
* Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before average last frost or direct sow 2 weeks after average last frost date. Transplant seedlings 4 weeks after average last frost date.
Is honeydew a summer fruit?
This summer fruit is perfect for a crowd! Honeydew melons are sweet, but not too sweet and can be stored at room temperature until it’s ready to eat. Look for melons that are nearly spherical, with a waxy surface. Honeydews are also high in Vitamin C, making them an great snack for the whole family.
Which is better cantaloupe or honeydew?
In vitamin A, Cantaloupe wins again with 68% DV compared to 1% DV in honeydew. Both are based on a 3.5 ounce serving. If it is beta carotene you are wanting, cantaloupe is the melon you want.
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