![]() Muskmelons may be directly seeded or started as transplants. ![]() Muskmelon originated in India and was cultivated by settlers in the 1600s. Most varieties of muskmelon have a musk smell thus the name muskmelon. Muskmelon, also known as cantaloupe, is a tender, heat-loving vegetable. Just think of that sugary juice dripping down your chin”¦if they last that long! Hale’s Best will keep in a cool place for several weeks.Muskmelon name originates with its unique odor. It’s up to you, but I think you should pack your patience. This puts the sweetness of the melon at risk, though, as it is the last bit of natural vine ripening that allows the melon to sweeten. Melons can be removed from the vine and allowed to ripen further that’s how commercial growers do it. If you have too torque on it, the melon isn’t ready. This should be very easy, requiring no effort. This is called the “slip stage” and allows the melon to detach from the vine. Melons will heft at around 3 pounds and a crack will form on the stem right near the attachment point. How do you know when to harvest the cantaloupe? After around 85 days, the melon will become more golden in color and the blossom end will have some give with an aromatic aroma. It all depends on the birds and the bees, especially the bees that are integral to pollinating the blooms. Vines produce both male and female blooms, with the males appearing weeks before the female, so it may take a bit to see fruit set. Oh, and if you are short on space, these babies can be grown on trellises. Pinch off smaller fruits after midsummer so the plant can send all its energy to the larger fruit. Consistent watering at onset is crucial for plump, juicy melon production remember, they are over 90% water! Reduce watering once fruit is set. In cooler climates, place black plastic or landscape fabric down to warm the soil. Transplant the seedlings in compost amended hills 4-6 inches apart with 2-3 plants per hill, and of course, in full sun. Harden the plants gradually by placing them outside for increasing numbers of hours each successive day so they are nice and strong when you transplant them. Thin to one strong plant per pot cut the others out, don’t pull them out. Sow several seeds ½ inch deep in peat pots and keep them at a constant 75 degrees F. Start them inside about 2-4 weeks prior to that time. Melons are sun worshippers, so do not plant them outside until the soil temps is at least 70-80 degrees F. Like all melons, Hale’s Best needs 2-3 months of summer heat, so growing Hale’s Best melons may be a bit more of a challenge in the North, but not impossible. It is more tolerant of drought than other cantaloupes and can be grown in a wider variety of climates. This cantaloupe, or muskmelon, has heavily netted skin with thick walls and a small seed cavity, allowing for more of its mouth-watering, sweet fruit. Hale, hence the name, who discovered this varietal in Imperial County near Brawley, CA under development by a Japanese grower. It was introduced into the market by I.D. Hale’s Best cantaloupe is a classic favorite dating back to the 1920s. Maybe they were thirsty and dreaming of the quenching sweet juices of the 90% water content of the cantaloupe. Melons are referenced in the Bible by the Hebrews wandering the desert with Moses reminiscing on foods they missed during their exile. cantalupensis) were cultivated in ancient Egypt and in Iran and India dating back to biblical times, or around 2,400 BCE. We do know that cantaloupes ( Cucumis melo var. Depending upon who you ask, the fruit was first eaten in Persia, or Afghanistan, or Armenia. The actual origin of the melon is up for debate. Melons have a long, somewhat befuddled, history. So, what makes the fruit from Hale’s Best Muskmelon plants so exceptional? History of Hale’s Best Cantaloupe If you love cantaloupe too and are looking for a winning variety, the old timer Hale’s Best Muskmelon plant should be your choice. There is not much in this world more rapturous than biting into a cold slice of juicy melon, and cantaloupe happens to be one of my favorites.
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