Talk to any seasoned gardener, and they still swear by the Hales Best cantaloupe variety. Its 3–5-pound fruits are exceptionally sweet and thick-walled. The seed cavity is small, so you can enjoy more delicious, mouth-watering fruit!
Grows and stays sweet in most climates. More tolerant of drought than other melons.
For direct seeding, sow one to two weeks after last frost when soil is warm (70°F and above). Plant three seeds every 18 inches, one half inch deep, thinning to one plant per spot. Space rows 6 feet apart.
Alternatively, sow indoors three weeks before last frost. Plant two to three seeds per or pot, about one quarter inch deep. Handle young plants carefully and never let the soil dry out. When weather is frost-free, warm, and settled, transplant 2-3 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart, or thin to one plant per pot or cell with scissors and transplant 18 inches apart. Melon seedlings are tender. Do not disturb roots when transplanting, and water thoroughly.
Cut off watering one week before harvest. This will give a more flavorful, concentrated melon. Overwatering before harvest can cause bland taste. Melons must be cut from the vine. Store ripe melons at 40-45°F for one to two weeks.
Cut open fruit lengthwise and scoop seeds into a jar. Add a little warm water and allow to sit for two to four days, stirring daily. As the melon seeds sit in water, they ferment. During this process, the good seeds sink to the bottom of the jar while the bad ones float to the top. Pour off the water containing the pulp and bad seeds. Dry seeds for two weeks, then store in a cool, dry place for up to five years.