Cantaloupe – Iroquois

Description

Iroquois Cantaloupe (A.K.A. Iroquois Melon, Iroquois Extra Select, Giant Early Wonder))

25 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 75–90 days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: Cucumis melo

Developed by Dr. Henry M. Munger of Cornell University and released in 1944, Iroquois is a time-tested cantaloupe bred for both flavor and resilience. A stabilized cross of ‘Minnesota 99-36’ and ‘Bender’s Surprise’, this variety was the first cantaloupe bred for resistance to Fusarium wilt—a trait that has kept it popular in the Midwest, Northeast, and Eastern Canada for generations.

The vigorous vines reach 12–24″ tall and sprawl 5–6′ across, producing thick, round to slightly oval fruits measuring 6–7 inches in diameter, weighing 5–7 pounds, and covered in a coarse, heavy net. The rind turns golden at maturity and easily slips from the vine when ripe. Inside, the deep salmon-orange flesh is juicy, fragrant, and musky-sweet with a high sugar content and classic cantaloupe flavor that home gardeners love.

Reliable, early-maturing, and rich in flavor, Iroquois is especially well-suited for regions with shorter growing seasons. A great pick for those seeking old-fashioned sweetness and productive yields!

Disease resistance: Fusarium wilt

Planting Instructions for Iroquois Cantaloupe Seeds

When to Plant:
Direct sow Iroquois 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. Iroquois 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:
Iroquois 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 Iroquois 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:
Iroquois Melons are ready to harvest when the rind turns buff-yellow beneath the netting and the fruit slips easily from the vine with light pressure. You should also notice a sweet aroma and slight softness at the blossom end.

Storage:
Whole Iroquois Melons can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Once cut, wrap tightly or place in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wash before cutting to avoid transferring surface bacteria to the flesh.

Seed Saving:
Saving Iroquois Melon seeds is an enjoyable and economical way to preserve this classic variety. Iroquois 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, Iroquois Melon seeds can last 3–5 years.

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