CANTALOUPE – MINNESOTA MIDGET

Description

‘Minnesota Midget’ cantaloupe is a backyard gardener’s dream. These super-sweet, softball-size muskmelons grow on unusual three- to four-foot vines. You can even grow ‘Minnesota Midget’ in a container on your patio, because it is that well behaved. Each plant will produce six to eight 4″ melon’s thick, meaty,  golden yellow flesh boasts excellent flavor and a high sugar content each perfect as a treat for one or two people.

SOWING AND GROWING: A light, well-drained soil with a pH of 7.0 and a southern exposure is ideal. Good soil moisture is important in early stages of growth and during pollination when fruits are setting. After this point do not water the last week before fruits are ripe, as overwatering can cause bland fruit. Sow indoors in 50-cell plug trays or 2-3″ biodegradable pots in late April or one month before transplanting outdoors. Plant 3 seeds/cell or pot, about 1/4″ deep. Handle young plants carefully and never let the soil dry out.

Transplant 2-3′ apart in rows 6′ apart or thin to 1 plant/cell or pot with scissors and transplant 18″ apart. Even hardened-off melon seedlings are tender. Do not disturb roots when transplanting, and water thoroughly.