Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe Plant

Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe is an heirloom that produces consistently sweet melons with small seed cavities. Yum! This classic has been a favorite for home gardeners for over 100 years. Fruits weigh 5-6 pounds.

Our Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe Plants are grown with a commitment to natural methods, ensuring they're healthy and robust. Guaranteed to arrive alive and thriving!

Planting Instructions:

• - Melons do best if transplanted when the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees.

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-6.8
• - Amend soil with compost or fertilizer before planting

Watering Specifics:

• - Plants require 1-2 inches per week. Water at ground level to avoid wetting leaves

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. We recommend a standard 10-10-10 during transplanting, then a 21-0-0 fertilizer once the vines reach 24 inches.

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch off the growing tips when vines reach 24-36 inches to encourage bushier growth
• - Grow them vertically to save space

Pollination:

• - Requires insect pollination
• - Plant flowers nearby is helpful to attract bees

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for cucumber beetles, aphids, and vine borers

Harvesting Indicators:

• - Additional signs of ripeness: slight softening at blossom end, cracking around stem

Storage:

• - Store ripe melons in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• - Unripe melons can ripen at room temperature for a few days

Companion Plants:

• - Bean: Fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility
• - Collard: Acts as a trap crop for potential pests
• - Corn: Provides natural support and partial shade
• - Marigold: Repels nematodes and attracts pollinators
• - Oregano: Repels pests and may enhance flavor
• - Petunia: Attracts pollinators
• - Radish: Deters cucumber beetles
• - Squash: Provides ground cover and pest confusion