Melon, Small Persian

A mouth-watering delicacy from ancient times, its superior taste and texture make this a top melon in our tasting trials. Each fruit weighs about 5 pounds with netted skin and thick, orange flesh dripping with honey sweet flavor. This Persian heirloom is thought to be the progenitor of the modern-day cantaloupe, and it has been a popular choice for centuries. One of Jere Gettle’s favorite melons to eat as a child, this heirloom has held a special place in many gardeners’ hearts as the granddaddy of all American-style cantaloupes! The Persian melon was a standard in early American gardens, and remained popular throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, but recently this melon has all but disappeared from the seed trade and is becoming quite rare. We are determined to save this supremely good variety that was a choice fruit of the great Persian empire.

• Full Sun
• Sprouts in 7-14 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 75-90 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/2 inch
• Plant Spacing: 18"
• Frost Hardy: No
• Cucumis melo

Growing Tips: Melons prefer slightly sandy, very rich, well-drained soil. Be careful not to over water vines, especially as fruit is approaching maturity.