Bateekh Samarra Melon with intricate flower carving on a white background.
Carved Bateekh Samara Melon.
Bateekh Samara Melons with melon balls.
Bateekh Samara Melon cut in half.
Bateekh Samara Melon with wedge exposed.
Bateekh Samarra Melon with intricate flower carving on a white background.
Carved Bateekh Samara Melon.
Bateekh Samara Melons with melon balls.
Bateekh Samara Melon cut in half.
Bateekh Samara Melon with wedge exposed.

Melon Seeds,
Bateekh Samarra

3.511 ReviewsSKU: #OML142Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis melo). Unique, sweet, citrus-like taste! The oblong fruit has netted, brownish-green rind and lime green flesh. In our trials, the flavor was an unusual, yet very delicious, sweet-tart combination with a distinct citrus taste. The name simply means “old melon from Samarra,” which is a city in northern Iraq. Original seed was furnished by Iraqi seed collector Nael Aziz, who writes that this variety is known to have been grown in the Abbasid Period over 1,000 years ago! Endangered due to war and the aggressive promotion of patented seeds in Iraq.

Growing Tips: Bateekh Samarra melons prefer warm temperatures, sandy-loam soil, and good drainage. Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve fertility. Keep vines weed-free and use mulch to retain moisture. Trellising is optional but helps save space and improves airflow, reducing disease risk. Regular watering and full sunlight are essential for flavorful, sweet fruit.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
85–95
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost or sow directly after danger of frost has passed and soil is consistently above 65°F. In short-season areas, indoor starting is recommended. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep in rows or hills spaced 4–6 feet apart. In rows, space plants 18–24 inches apart; in hills, place 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to one or two plants. For early growth protection, use floating row covers and remove once flowering begins to allow pollination.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice a week, avoiding overhead irrigation to reduce foliar disease. Fertilize with a balanced organic feed when vines begin to run and again at flowering. Watch for pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Harvest when fruits turn yellowish, emit a sweet fragrance, and slip from the stem easily.

How to Save Seeds

Note: if you are planning to save seeds, you must isolate Cucumis melo varieties from each other to prevent cross-pollination, or bag the flowers and hand-pollinate them

  • Let fruits fully ripen and begin to soften on the vine
  • Cut the melon open and scoop out seeds
  • Place seeds in a bowl of water and ferment for 1–2 days
  • Rinse and remove floating debris
  • Spread seeds on a screen or paper towel to dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place in labeled envelopes

FAQ

Can I grow Bateekh Samarra melons in cooler climates?

Yes, but start seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil, and choose a warm site to ensure proper fruit development in shorter growing seasons.

How do I know when Bateekh Samarra melons are ready to harvest?

Ripe melons will have a slightly yellowed skin, a strong fruity scent, and will detach from the vine with gentle pressure. Aroma is a reliable indicator of ripeness for this heirloom variety.

Do Bateekh Samarra melons cross-pollinate with other melons?

Yes, Bateekh Samarra can cross-pollinate with other Cucumis melo varieties. To save pure seeds, isolate plants by at least 800 feet or hand-pollinate and bag flowers to prevent unwanted cross-pollination.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

3.5 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Vines set many large melons, several per plant.

  • Not a sweet melon: Mild cucumber-honeydew flavor, little sugar; not everyone likes it.

  • Likes hot summers: Handles 90 to 100 degree summers and tolerates drought.

  • Heads up: Hard to judge ripeness; wait until the green fades to ivory.

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