Melon Seeds,
Missouri Gold

Direct-seed Missouri Gold once the soil has warmed and the nighttime low has reached above 50°F, since melons are very frost sensitive. Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep; they germinate in 7–14 days, with an ideal germination temperature of 75–90°F. Gardeners with a very short growing season can start plants indoors, but move them out within 3 weeks so the roots do not become pot bound. This heirloom needs about 85 days to mature.

• The climatic growing requirements can vary greatly in this diverse family of fruit; however, all melons are known for their love of sandy loam soil.
• Choose the best variety for your season length.
• Melons are very frost-sensitive, so be sure to plant once the soil has warmed and the nighttime low has reached above 50 degrees.
• Melons grow best when direct-seeded, but it is advisable for those folks with a very short growing season to start plants indoors. Just be careful not to leave plants in pots longer than 3 weeks; cucurbits hate becoming root bound!
• Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
• Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
• Ideal germination temperature is 75-90 F.

• Plant seeds or thin seedlings to 2 feet apart with rows six feet apart; these vines love to sprawl!
• Melons are very frost sensitive, so be sure to plant once the soil has warmed and the nighttime low has reached above 50 degrees.
• Melons prefer slightly sandy, very rich, well-drained soil. Be careful not to over water vines, especially as fruit is approaching maturity.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Weeding around the vines without damaging the plants can be nearly impossible. For this reason, most growers mulch around plants with straw.
• For growers in northern climates, black plastic mulch will suppress weeds and warm the soil.
• Do not overwater melons; they do not like wet feet. Instead, just water when the soil becomes dry.
• Related to cucumbers and squash, melons have the same insect pest issues, such as cucumber beetles, melon aphids and pickleworms.

• Melons are insect pollinated and will readily cross with other melon varieties. They will not, however, cross with their close relatives, watermelon or cucumbers.
• To ensure pure seed, isolate different melon varieties by 1⁄2 mile or try caging and hand pollinating.
• Harvest seeds by cutting ripe fruit in half and scooping the seeds into a large bucket; add water until the seeds and pulp are just covered. Allow this to ferment for 2-3 days, being sure to stir the mixture daily.
• After the seeds have fermented, add water, stir and pour off the pulp. Good seeds sink to the bottom. Discard the nonviable, floating seeds.
• Continue to change the water and skim off the rotten pulp from the seeds until water runs clear and only good, clean seeds are left.
• Spread clean seeds out on a piece of cardboard for 12-15 days to allow them to dry.
• Store in a jar in a cool, dry location. Seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years if stored this way.