Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey Melons with melon balls on a white background.
Madhu Ras Melon, balls, jellied and juiced.
Madhu Ras Melons, whole wedged and cubed.
Madhu Ras Melon on grey background.
Madhu Ras Melons held high in the air.
Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey Melons with melon balls on a white background.
Madhu Ras Melon, balls, jellied and juiced.
Madhu Ras Melons, whole wedged and cubed.
Madhu Ras Melon on grey background.
Madhu Ras Melons held high in the air.

Melon Seeds,
Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey

4.437 ReviewsSKU: #JS257Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis melo). This is a small but delicious melon from Rajasthan, India. The name Madhu Ras means "honey melon," an appropriate name for such a sweet fruit. These melons thrive in the hot and dry conditions of western India, and they will grow in similar conditions in the U.S. One of our favorites in trials, the flesh is soft and silky with a classic muskmelon taste. This is a rare find brought to us by Botanical Explorer Joseph Simcox, who found this special heirloom at a market in Delhi, India.

Growing Tips: Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey melons are a sweet, fragrant Indian variety well-adapted to hot, arid conditions. They thrive in full sun and light, sandy soils with good drainage. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting. Use mulch to conserve water, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. Allow vines to spread freely or train them on a trellis.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow seeds after the last frost once soil temperatures consistently reach 70°F, or start indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost for an early start. Transplant only after all risk 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, spacing them 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. Alternatively, sow 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to the healthiest plant. Use row covers early to warm the soil and protect seedlings from pests. Remove covers at bloom to ensure successful pollination.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice per week, adjusting based on weather and soil conditions. Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease. Fertilize with compost or organic fertilizer when vines start to run and again during flowering. Harvest melons when the skin turns golden, the fruit slips from the stem, and a sweet aroma develops.

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

Is Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey melon drought-tolerant?

Yes, this variety is well-suited to hot and dry conditions, making it a great choice for arid or semi-arid regions. However, consistent watering during fruiting improves sweetness and yield.

What does the Madhu Ras Rajasthan Honey melon taste like?

These melons are honey-sweet, with soft, silky flesh and a classic muskmelon taste. The name 'Madhu Ras' means 'honey melon,' an appropriate name for such a sweet fruit.

Can I grow Madhu Ras melons in containers?

Yes, they can be grown in large containers (minimum 5–7 gallons) with well-draining soil and a strong trellis. Regular feeding and watering are essential for good vine and fruit development.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 37 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Honey-sweet flavor: Fragrant, honey-sweet flesh, like a richer cantaloupe.

  • Loves the heat: Keeps setting fruit through 100-degree summers.

  • Prolific vines: Often seven or more small melons per vine, ripening over weeks.

  • Personal size: Single-serving melons that climb a trellis well.

  • Heads up: Some vines set few fruit; pick promptly, they overripen fast.

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