30 Seeds

Grow these delicious Crenshaw Melons from freshly harvested Cucumis melo seeds. Crenshaw is an heirloom variety that was introduced in 1929. These large, yellow skinned fruits have sweet, orange flesh. They can weigh anywhere between 6 to 10 pounds and are approximately 6 inches in diameter. The plants themselves have a vining growth habit, trailing along the earth at a length of almost 10 feet long and can grow about 2 feet tall.

Grown as an annual vine, the Crenshaw Melon will establish itself through the summer months, while temperatures are at their peak. Much like pumpkins and watermelons, they will flower before baring fruits. It's male flowers will bloom first, wilting a few days later to expose the female flowers. Once pollinated, the fruits will begin to grow under the female flowers. The key to successful growth of any melon is heat and moisture. You can check below for additional growing information for this variety.

Crenshaw Melon can be ready for harvesting in roughly 90 to 100 days.

Sowing The Seed

Melons can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Place the seeds at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Later transplant your entire peat pots into the garden, or direct sow outdoors, once the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Check below for additional information on spacing and growth habits.

Growing Conditions

Melons will enjoy the heat of summer and thrive in areas of full sunlight. Temperatures should be kept at 70F or higher. The soil will need to be rich and fertile, but also well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Melons consist of mostly water, so a high moisture level is necessary. To avoid possible wilting, watering the plants at their roots and at the base of the stems is best.

Germination & Growth

Melon seeds will typically take anywhere between 7 and 14 days to sprout open. The plants will reach a mature height of roughly 24 to 36 inches tall, vining outwards to take up as much as 10 feet in length. The plants can be grown on hills that are at least 8 inches high and 16 inches wide. Sowing 2 to 4 seeds per hill is best. Direct the plants outwards, away from one another, spacing each hill at least 6 to 8 feet apart. Harvest in roughly 90 to 100 days.

Harvesting Crenshaw Melons

Your Crenshaw Melon fruits will be ready for harvesting in roughly 90 days. One week prior to harvesting, you should consider cutting down the amount of moisture that you provide the vines. Watering just enough to keep the vines alive will allow the plants to focus their energy on creating sweeter fruits by adding more sugar to the melon. Crenshaw Melons are ripe when the rind is hard and bright yellow to green. Pick the fruits and enjoy.

Melons typically last for about 1 week. They should be enjoyed quickly before they go bad. You can also chop them up and freeze them as well.