Cantaloupe – Honeydew Orange Flesh

Description

Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon (A.K.A. Orange-Fleshed Honeydew)

25 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 100–105 days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Cucumis melo

Orange Flesh Honeydew Melon offers the best of both worlds—sweet, juicy flesh that blends the flavors of classic honeydew and cantaloupe. These creamy-white melons grow 7–9″ long and 5–6″ in diameter, weighing in at 3–6 pounds apiece. Inside, the firm, glowing orange flesh is richly sweet and fragrant, with a small seed cavity and a smooth texture.

The plants are trailing vines that reach 12–36″ tall and spread 3–4′ across, needing at least 2–3′ between plants and 6′ between rows for best results. Like green-fleshed honeydews, they thrive in full sun and warm conditions. Though lesser known, this variety is a stabilized cross between ‘Green Flesh Honeydew’ and Livingston’s ‘Tip Top’ melon, likely introduced by the Aggeler & Musser Seed Company around 1929—though some records suggest orange or “red-fleshed” honeydews were grown in Europe long before.

Excellent fresh for breakfast or dessert, they also shine in fruit salads or blended drinks like punches or daiquiris. Try slices with a sprinkle of ginger, salt, or a splash of lemon or lime for a refreshing twist. Ripe fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days; unripe melons should be left at room temperature until fragrant and slightly soft.

A delicious summer treat with outstanding flavor, beautiful color, and versatile culinary uses—Orange Flesh Honeydew brings something special to every garden and every table. Rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, it’s as nourishing as it is tasty!

Planting Instructions for Honeydew Orange Flesh Cantaloupe Seeds

When to Plant:
Direct sow Honeydew Orange Flesh Melon seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after your last frost date, once the soil consistently reaches 70°F (21°C) or warmer. For shorter seasons or cooler regions, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, using peat pots or soil blocks to avoid root disturbance. Transplant outdoors after hardening off and when both soil and air temperatures are consistently warm and the danger of frost is past.

Where to Plant:
Choose a site in full sun that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Honeydew Orange Flesh Melons thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Raised beds or south-facing slopes are ideal. Incorporate 2–3 inches of compost before planting. Avoid planting in areas that recently grew other melons, cucumbers, squash, or pumpkins.

How to Sow:
Sow seeds ½” to 1″ deep. If planting in rows, space seeds or transplants 18–36″ apart in rows 5–6′ apart. For hills, sow 3–4 seeds per hill and thin to the strongest 1–2 plants. For trellising, space plants 12–18″ apart along a sturdy support.

Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist through germination. Once vines are established, provide 1–2 inches of water per week. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep rooting. Reduce watering slightly once fruit begins to ripen to improve sweetness and avoid splitting. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of mildew.

Fertilization:
Mix compost into the planting site before sowing. Additional fertilizer is typically not needed unless soil is poor. If desired, side-dress with compost tea, fish emulsion, or a balanced organic fertilizer once vines begin to spread and again when the first small fruits begin to form.

Mulching:
Once your seedlings are growing well, add mulch around the plants. Use black plastic if your goal is to warm the soil. Warmer soil helps seeds sprout faster and encourages early root and vine growth, which is especially helpful in cooler climates or early in the season. If you’re mainly trying to hold in moisture and stop weeds, straw or shredded leaves are good options, but they won’t help the soil warm up as much. Mulching also keeps the fruits clean by lifting them off the dirt and helps stop mud from splashing onto them when it rains.

Training & Pruning:
Vines can be allowed to sprawl or trained vertically. For vertical growth, support fruit with cloth slings. If desired, lightly prune some of the small side branches that grow off the main vine to help air move through the plant and let it focus energy on growing better-quality fruits. Avoid over-pruning, which can reduce flower production and sugar development.

Pollination:
Honeydew Orange Flesh Melons produce both male and female flowers. Bees and other pollinators are essential for fruit set. Encourage pollination by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs nearby. Good choices include borage, dill, sunflowers, marigolds, and oregano allowed to flower. These help attract bees and other insects that will visit your Honeydew Orange Flesh Melon blooms. In low-pollinator areas, hand pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female blooms using a small paintbrush.

Common Pests & Diseases:

• Pests: Watch for aphids, cucumber beetles (vector for bacterial wilt), squash bugs, and vine borers. Use row covers until flowering, hand-pick pests, or apply insecticidal soap in the early morning or evening.
• Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf blights can occur. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and space plants adequately. Treat outbreaks with organic fungicides or DIY sprays (e.g., baking soda solution).

Harvesting:
Honeydew Orange Flesh Melons are ready to harvest when the rind turns creamy yellow or white and the blossom end gives slightly under gentle pressure. A sweet, fruity aroma will develop near the blossom end, and the skin may feel slightly waxy. Unlike netted cantaloupes, Honeydew melons do not slip from the vine when ripe—cut them carefully when these signs appear.

Storage:
An orange-fleshed Honeydew melon, when whole and unwashed, can be stored at room temperature for 5 to 7 days to continue ripening. Once cut, place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. Wash thoroughly before slicing to avoid transferring bacteria from the rind to the flesh.

Seed Saving:
Saving Honeydew Orange Flesh Melon seeds is an enjoyable and economical way to preserve this unique variety. Honeydew Orange Flesh Melons are insect-pollinated and cross readily with other melon types, so avoid growing multiple melon varieties within ½ mile of one another.

Let the melons ripen fully on the vine. Once picked, cut them open the long way and scoop out the seeds into a jar. Add room temperature (not hot) water and let the mixture sit for 2 to 4 days, stirring it once each day to help the seeds separate. Good seeds will sink, while pulp and non-viable seeds float. Pour off the debris, rinse the good seeds thoroughly, and spread them out on a paper towel or mesh screen to dry for several days in a well-ventilated area.

Once your seeds are fully dry, you can store them in a labeled container. For longer storage, you can keep the container right in the freezer. Freezing helps protect seeds from moisture, pests, and temperature swings, especially over many months. For a quick and easy option, use our seed-saving envelopes. They’re simple to use, pre-labeled, and include spaces to write the variety, date, and any notes you want to remember. They help keep your seeds neat, labeled, and easy to find when you’re ready to plant next season. When stored properly, Honeydew Orange Flesh Melon seeds can last 3–5 years.

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