Whole and sliced Banana Melon with melon balls on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Banana
Close-up Banana Melon balls.
Banana Melon showing interior with ball of melon balls.
Whole and sliced Banana Melon with melon balls on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Banana
Close-up Banana Melon balls.
Banana Melon showing interior with ball of melon balls.

Melon Seeds,
Banana

3.933 ReviewsSKU: #AML113Min. seed count: 25
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Regular price $3.00
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Description

(Cucumis melo). Banana-shaped fruit with smooth, yellow skin and sweet, spicy, salmon-colored flesh. 16 to 24 inches long, 5 to 12 lbs. It was listed in 1885 by J. H. Gregory’s Catalogue, which said, “When ripe it reminds one of a large, overgrown banana... It smells like one, having a remarkably powerful and delicious fragrance.” This is one of Jere’s all-time favorites; very sweet and great for markets.

Growing Tips: Banana melons thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Amending soil with compost before planting helps support vigorous vine growth and sweet fruit development. Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular watering is key, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
80–100
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
24–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant after the last frost when soil has warmed to at least 65°F. In cooler climates, start seeds 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

Sow Banana melon seeds directly into warm soil or start indoors in biodegradable pots. Plant 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, spacing seeds 24-36 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. Thin to the strongest seedlings once true leaves appear. Use row covers early on to protect from pests and promote early growth.

How to Grow

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, watering at the base of plants to prevent mildew. Support vines with trellises or allow them to sprawl in garden beds. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer once vines begin to run. Harvest when melons emit a strong banana-like aroma and slip 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

FAQ

How long do Banana melon seeds remain viable?

With proper storage in a cool, dry location, Banana melon seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Ensure they are fully dry before storing to prevent mold and reduced germination rates.

Can Banana melons be grown in containers?

Yes, but give it room: use a container of at least 15 to 20 gallons with excellent drainage, and water daily in hot weather. Rich, well-draining soil is a must, and if you trellis the vine, support each fruit in a cloth or net sling, since fruit this size will pull itself off the vine.

Do Banana melons need pollinators to fruit?

Yes, Banana melons rely on insect pollinators like bees to set fruit. To boost pollination rates, grow companion plants like marigold or basil nearby and avoid using insecticides during flowering.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

3.9 / 5 33 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Giant fruit: Melons stretch to two feet long and football size.

  • Cantaloupe-style flavor: Smooth, aromatic flesh that tastes like a sweet cantaloupe.

  • Heavy producer: Vines load up with fruit all season, 7 to 10 per plant.

  • Needs room: Rampant vines sprawl; give space or a sturdy trellis.

  • Heads up: Flesh can run thin or bland; ripeness is hard to judge.

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