Kajari melon and slice against a white background.
Kajari Melon with vintage tin on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Kajari
Kajari Melon with wedge removed and top decoratively removed.
Kajari Melon sliced in half across diameter.
Three Kajari Melon being held up in the air against a brilliant blue sky.
Kajari Melon fresh picked from the garden.
Kajari Melon still on the vine in the garden.
Kajari melon and slice against a white background.
Kajari Melon with vintage tin on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Kajari
Kajari Melon with wedge removed and top decoratively removed.
Kajari Melon sliced in half across diameter.
Three Kajari Melon being held up in the air against a brilliant blue sky.
Kajari Melon fresh picked from the garden.
Kajari Melon still on the vine in the garden.

Melon Seeds,
Kajari

4.1109 ReviewsSKU: #JS235Min. seed count: 25
Price
Regular price $4.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.50
Save $-4.50
/
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Faster shipping options also available.
Description

(Cucumis melo). Easy to grow, early, and so productive. The flavor is world class. The perfect variety for most gardens, the best overall melon we carry! This amazing classic Indian melon was collected by Joseph Simcox. The fruit is a brilliant copper red and is striped in green and cream, making this an extremely unusual and beautiful melon. The pale green flesh is sweet, aromatic, and slightly musky in taste. Joe believes that this melon originated in the Punjab, and he spent more than 8 years trying to find seeds of this extremely interesting variety. Vine produces lots of 2-lb fruit. Customer favorite!

Growing Tips: Kajari melons are an Indian heirloom variety known for their striking striped skin and juicy, sweet flesh. They thrive in warm, well-drained soil and require full sun to produce their best flavor. Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed pressure. Ensure vines have room to sprawl or consider trellising to save space and promote air circulation.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
75–85
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Kajari melon seeds outdoors after the final frost when the soil is at least 70°F or start indoors 3–4 weeks ahead of time to extend the season. Transplant once danger of frost has passed. 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, spaced 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. For hill planting, sow 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to the strongest seedling. Use row covers early in the season to speed germination and protect young plants, removing them once flowers appear for pollination access.

How to Grow

Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruit set. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Fertilize with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when vines start running and again at bloom. Harvest Kajari melons when they emit a fruity aroma, have a yellow background color, and slip easily from the stem.

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 for up to 5 years

FAQ

What does the Kajari melon taste like?

Kajari melons have a refreshing, mildly sweet flavor similar to honeydew but with a subtle citrus undertone. Their tender, pale green flesh makes them a standout both visually and in taste.

Can Kajari melons be grown in cooler climates?

Yes, Kajari melons are relatively quick to mature and perform well in short-season areas when started indoors. Use black mulch to warm the soil and choose the sunniest location available.

Are Kajari melons open-pollinated or hybrid?

Kajari melons are open-pollinated, which means you can save seeds from mature fruit. Be sure to isolate them from other Cucumis melo types to maintain the integrity of the variety

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 109 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Honeydew meets cantaloupe: Sweet, creamy and very fragrant; between honeydew and cantaloupe.

  • Striking striped rind: Turns bright orange with green and white stripes when ripe.

  • Loves heat: Thrives in 100-degree summers; sulks in cool, wet weather.

  • Prolific vines: Vines set many small melons and climb a trellis well.

  • Heads up: Some find it bland; splits fast when ripe, so pick at first orange.

You may also like