Melon Seeds,
Japanese Tiger

Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F or start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in shorter growing seasons. Transplant only after all risk of 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.'

Plant seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep and space them 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. For hill planting, sow 2–3 seeds per mound and thin to the strongest seedling. Use floating row covers to protect young seedlings from pests and to encourage early growth, removing them at bloom for pollination.

Maintain even soil moisture with deep watering, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease pressure. Apply compost or organic fertilizer when vines begin to sprawl and again at flowering. Harvest Japanese Tiger melons when they emit a fragrant aroma and the fruit 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