Cut and whole Prescott Fond Blanc Melons arranged on a white background.
Cut and whole Prescott Fond Blanc Melons arranged on a teal background.
Cut and whole Prescott Fond Blanc Melons arranged on a white background.
Cut and whole Prescott Fond Blanc Melons arranged on a teal background.

Melon Seeds,
Prescott Fond Blanc

3.818 ReviewsSKU: #ML102Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis melo). The most unique and beautiful French melon we sell! The fruit is 4 to 9 lbs., very flattened and ribbed, with warts and bumps. Melons have grey/green skin that turns the color of straw; flesh is salmon-orange. Once known as one of the best melons, it was mentioned in the 1860s, but it likely is much older. The flavor is very rich if picked at perfection, and the fragrance is heavenly. This is a favorite melon of ours, almost unheard of in this country.

Growing Tips: Prescott Fond Blanc is a historic French heirloom melon, known for its heavily ribbed, warted rind and intensely fragrant, salmon-colored flesh. This melon prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Keep soil evenly moist and use mulch to suppress weeds and retain water. Give vines ample space to sprawl or support them with a strong trellis to elevate fruits.

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

Sow seeds outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. In short-season climates, start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting. 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 and space 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. For mound planting, sow 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to the strongest seedling. Use row covers to protect young plants and accelerate early growth, removing them when flowering begins for pollination.

How to Grow

Water regularly and deeply to maintain even moisture. Fertilize at vining and flowering stages using compost or organic fertilizer. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease. Trellising is optional but helps manage vine sprawl. Harvest when the fruit gives off a sweet aroma and slips easily from the stem with gentle pressure.

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 Prescott Fond Blanc melon taste like?

Prescott Fond Blanc melons have richly sweet, floral flavor with soft, juicy flesh. They are intensely aromatic and highly prized by chefs and heirloom growers for their depth of flavor and unique appearance.

Are Prescott Fond Blanc melons hard to grow?

They require a bit more patience than modern hybrids due to their longer maturity and rugged rinds, but they grow well in hot, sunny conditions with consistent care and plenty of space for vines to spread.

Can Prescott Fond Blanc be grown vertically?

Yes, this melon can be trellised with strong support. Be sure to cradle each fruit with a sling to prevent stem damage as the fruits are large, deeply ribbed, and can be quite heavy at maturity.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

3.8 / 5 18 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Striking, warty looks: Looks like a squash and smells heavenly when ripe.

  • Easy to grow: Strong germination and vigorous seedlings; little fuss after.

  • Productive vines: Sets plenty of melons, even where other melons struggle.

  • Heads up: Sweetness varies; many found it mild, better with rich soil and heat.

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