Small Persian Melon with slice removed on a white background.
Small Persian Melon wedges and balls.
Melon Seeds, Small Persian
Small Persian Melon with slice removed on a white background.
Small Persian Melon wedges and balls.
Melon Seeds, Small Persian

Melon Seeds,
Small Persian

49 ReviewsSKU: #OML112Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Cucumis melo). 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.

Growing Tips: Small Persian melons are prized for their smooth rinds, sweet orange flesh, and small, personal-sized fruits. They thrive in full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and minimize weed growth. Maintain consistent watering, especially during fruit development, and ensure good air circulation to reduce disease pressure on foliage and fruit.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
85–95
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures are at least 70°F, or start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start. 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 seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep and space 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. Use floating row covers early on to promote warmth and protect from pests. Remove row covers once flowers appear for natural pollination.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice per week to maintain even soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Fertilize with compost or balanced organic fertilizer when vines begin to run and again at bloom. Trellis if needed to save space and improve airflow. Harvest when fruits emit a sweet fragrance 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 for up to 5 years

FAQ

How big do Small Persian melons get at harvest?

Small Persian melons average about 5 pounds, with netted skin and thick, orange flesh dripping with honey-sweet flavor. Their superior taste and texture made this a top melon in our tasting trials.

Can I grow Small Persian melons in containers?

Yes, but give them a large container, at least 15 gallons, with a rich, well-draining soil mix. Support the vines on a sturdy trellis and sling each fruit, since melons of this size will pull themselves off the vine.

Are Small Persian melons good for short growing seasons?

Not especially. At 85 to 95 days this is a late melon. In a short season, start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost, transplant into warm soil under row cover or black plastic, and expect to protect the vines at both ends of the season.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 9 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Honey-sweet flavor: Juicy, sweet flesh that stands out among melon varieties.

  • Sets lots of fruit: Easy, reliable vines loaded with single-serving melons.

  • Handles extreme heat: Vines kept going through triple-digit heat waves.

  • Fast germination: Seeds sprout in a day or two on a heat mat.

  • Heads up: Hard to judge ripeness; pick by smell when it seems almost ready.

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