Melon Seeds,
Oliver's Pearl Cluster

Direct sow 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.'

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.

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.

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