Melon Seeds,
Sakata's Sweet

4.324 ReviewsSKU: #OML102Min. seed count: 10
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Description

(Cucumis melo). A sweet treasure from historic Japan. These delightful melons are a mini-honeydew type! The lilliputian 3- to 4-inch round melons are very sweet with a high sugar content. Crisp and crunchy­; they have edible skins. This fine Japanese variety was developed by Sakata Seed Co., of Yokohama.

Growing Tips: Sakata’s Sweet melon is a Japanese variety known for its exceptional sweetness, juicy white flesh, and smooth-skinned, round fruit. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from full sun and warm temperatures. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use mulch to control weeds and retain moisture. Provide ample space for vines or use trellising in smaller gardens.

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
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow Sakata’s Sweet melon seeds outdoors when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F or start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant only after the final 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

Sow seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, spacing 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. Early use of row covers can help protect young plants and speed up growth but remove them when flowers appear to allow for natural pollination.

How to Grow

Water regularly and deeply, especially during flowering and fruit set. Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Fertilize with compost or balanced organic fertilizer when vines begin to spread and again at blooming. Harvest when fruit develops a sweet aroma and slips 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 Sakata’s Sweet melon taste like?

Sakata’s Sweet melons are known for their delicate, honey-like sweetness and refreshing white flesh. The texture is smooth and juicy, making them a favorite for fresh eating and summer snacking.

Is Sakata’s Sweet melon good for small-space gardens?

Yes, although it produces vining growth, it can be trellised to save space. With proper support, it’s well-suited to raised beds or large containers with at least 5 gallons of soil.

Do Sakata’s Sweet melons require pollination?

Yes, they rely on insect pollination to set fruit. Attract bees by planting companion flowers nearby, and avoid using pesticides during bloom to ensure successful fruit development.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 24 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, crisp flesh: Tastes like honeydew with an apple-like crunch.

  • Heavy producer: Vines set lots of softball-sized melons, even in heat.

  • Edible rind: Scrub it and eat skin, seeds and all, like an apple.

  • Takes the heat: Grew well through hot, dry summers where other melons failed.

  • Ripeness cue: Pick when the skin turns yellowish and it smells sweet.

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