Top 20 Melon Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest
Melons are a refreshing and juicy fruit, perfect for warm weather. With a wide range of types, from cantaloupes to watermelons and beyond, melons are versatile and can be used in salads, desserts, and drinks. Growing melons can be highly rewarding, but choosing the right variety for your climate and taste preferences is key to a bountiful harvest. This guide will explore the top 20 melon varieties to grow, with essential tips for successful melon cultivation.
1. Cantaloupe (Muskmelon)
Cantaloupe is a popular melon variety known for its sweet, orange flesh and netted rind. It’s ideal for fresh eating, salads, and smoothies.
Tip: Plant cantaloupe in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during fruit development, and use mulch to retain moisture.
2. Sugar Baby (Watermelon)
Sugar Baby is a small, round watermelon variety with sweet, red flesh. It’s perfect for smaller gardens due to its compact size.
Tip: Sugar Baby watermelons need full sun and consistent watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil warm.
3. Honeydew
Honeydew melons are known for their smooth, pale green skin and sweet, juicy flesh. They’re ideal for fresh eating and adding to fruit salads.
Tip: Honeydew melons prefer full sun and need consistent watering. Use mulch to keep the soil moist and warm for better growth.
4. Crimson Sweet (Watermelon)
Crimson Sweet watermelons are known for their large size, striped rind, and sweet, juicy red flesh. They’re perfect for picnics and fresh eating.
Tip: Ensure Crimson Sweet melons get plenty of sunlight and space to grow. Water deeply and regularly, especially during the fruiting stage.
5. Galia
Galia melons are a hybrid between cantaloupe and honeydew, with a netted rind and sweet, fragrant flesh. They’re great for fresh eating and desserts.
Tip: Galia melons thrive in full sun and need well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the fruit juicy and flavorful.
6. Charentais
Charentais melons are a French variety with sweet, aromatic orange flesh and smooth, slightly ribbed skin. They’re perfect for fresh eating and desserts.
Tip: Charentais melons prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently, but avoid overwatering to prevent the fruit from splitting.
7. Golden Midget (Watermelon)
Golden Midget watermelons are a miniature variety with yellow skin and sweet, red flesh. They’re ideal for small gardens and containers.
Tip: Golden Midget watermelons need full sun and regular watering. Use mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil warm.
8. Ananas
Ananas melons are an heirloom variety known for their sweet, fragrant flesh with a pineapple-like flavor. They have a netted rind and juicy flesh.
Tip: Ananas melons need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Water consistently during the growing season to encourage juicy, flavorful fruit.
9. Hale’s Best (Cantaloupe)
Hale’s Best is a classic cantaloupe variety with sweet, orange flesh and a netted rind. It’s perfect for fresh eating and making fruit salads.
Tip: Hale’s Best cantaloupes thrive in full sun with regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil warm.
10. Moon and Stars (Watermelon)
Moon and Stars watermelons are an heirloom variety known for their large, dark green rind with yellow spots. The flesh is sweet and red, perfect for fresh eating.
Tip: Moon and Stars watermelons need full sun and lots of space to grow. Water deeply and regularly to ensure large, juicy fruit.
11. Piel de Sapo (Christmas Melon)
Piel de Sapo is a Spanish melon variety with green, mottled skin and sweet, white flesh. It’s great for fresh eating and storing for winter use.
Tip: Piel de Sapo melons need full sun and regular watering. They have a long shelf life, making them ideal for storage.
12. Yellow Doll (Watermelon)
Yellow Doll watermelons are a small, early-maturing variety with yellow flesh and a sweet, crisp flavor. They’re perfect for fresh eating.
Tip: Plant Yellow Doll watermelons in full sun with regular watering. Use mulch to keep the soil moist and warm for better fruit development.
13. Canary Melon
Canary melons have smooth, bright yellow skin and sweet, pale green or white flesh. They’re ideal for fresh eating or adding to fruit salads.
Tip: Canary melons need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the fruit juicy and sweet.
14. Tiger Melon
Tiger melons are a unique variety with small, round fruit and a striped orange rind. The flesh is sweet and juicy, perfect for fresh eating.
Tip: Tiger melons prefer full sun and need regular watering. Thin the fruit early in the season to improve size and flavor.
15. Orangeglo (Watermelon)
Orangeglo watermelons are a large variety with bright orange flesh and sweet, juicy flavor. They’re perfect for summer picnics and fresh eating.
Tip: Orangeglo watermelons need plenty of space to grow and lots of sunlight. Water deeply and consistently to ensure large, juicy fruit.
16. Sugar Cube (Cantaloupe)
Sugar Cube is a compact cantaloupe variety with small, sweet fruit and a netted rind. It’s perfect for small gardens and container growing.
Tip: Sugar Cube melons thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure sweet, juicy fruit.
17. Tigger Melon
Tigger melons are a small, heirloom variety with vibrant red and yellow striped skin and mildly sweet flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating.
Tip: Tigger melons need full sun and regular watering. Thin the fruit early to encourage better fruit development.
18. Jubilee (Watermelon)
Jubilee watermelons are a large variety with striped rind and sweet, red flesh. They’re great for fresh eating and making watermelon juice.
Tip: Jubilee watermelons need full sun and plenty of space to spread. Water consistently, especially during fruiting, for large, juicy melons.
19. Arava (Galia Melon)
Arava melons are a type of Galia melon with a sweet, fragrant flesh and a netted rind. They’re ideal for fresh eating and desserts.
Tip: Arava melons thrive in full sun and need regular watering to produce sweet, juicy fruit.
20. Golden Honeydew
Golden Honeydew melons have smooth, yellow skin and sweet, pale green flesh. They’re perfect for fresh eating and fruit salads.
Tip: Plant Golden Honeydew melons in full sun with regular watering. Use mulch to retain moisture and keep the soil warm for optimal growth.
Tips for Growing Melons Successfully
- Choose a sunny location: Melons need full sun to thrive, so plant them in a spot where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Well-drained soil: Melons prefer sandy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid planting in areas with heavy, waterlogged soil, as this can cause root rot.
- Water consistently: Melons need regular watering, especially during the fruiting stage. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and water at the base to prevent diseases.
- Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost to feed your melon plants during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive vine growth at the expense of fruit.
- Provide support for smaller varieties: Some smaller melon varieties can be trained to grow on a trellis or support system, which helps save space and improves air circulation.
- Thin the fruit: For larger melons, thin the fruit early in the season to allow the plant to focus its energy on fewer, higher-quality melons.
- Protect from pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your plants.
Common Questions and Answers
Q1: How long does it take for melons to mature?
Most melon varieties take 70 to 90 days to mature from planting. Watermelons and larger varieties may take a bit longer, while smaller melons mature more quickly.
Q2: When is the best time to plant melons?
The best time to plant melons is in late spring, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Melons are warm-season crops and need warm soil to germinate and grow.
Q3: How often should I water melons?
Water melons deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.
Q4: Can melons be grown in containers?
Yes, compact varieties like Sugar Baby or Sugar Cube
can be grown in containers. Use a large pot with good drainage and provide support if necessary.
Q5: How do I know when melons are ready to harvest?
Melons are ready to harvest when the fruit easily slips off the vine with a gentle tug, the skin color changes slightly, and the fruit emits a sweet aroma.