60-70days to harvest
4-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost. Transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, reduce near harvest
Soil
Well-drained, fertile sandy loam with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
18-24 inches
Height
6-9 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Tan-netted skin with bright orange flesh
Size
4 inches diameter, 1-2 lbs
Shape
Round to slightly oval, well-netted
Flavour
Sweet and aromatic with classic cantaloupe flavor

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, fruit salads, breakfast dishes, individual serving size

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs, spider mites
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, anthracnose
Resistance
Some resistance to powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2May – JuneJulyJuly – AugustSeptember
3MayJune – JulyJune – AugustSeptember – October
4April – MayJuneJune – JulyAugust – October
5AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – October
6AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – September
7March – AprilMayMay – JuneJuly – September
8MarchApril – MayApril – JuneJuly – August
9FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – MayJune – July
10January – FebruaryMarchMarch – AprilMay – July
11JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June
12JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June
13JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, whiteflies, and thrips while potentially improving melon flavor
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, protecting melons
MarigoldDeters nematodes and cucumber beetles with strong scent
RadishRepels cucumber beetles and squash bugs, breaks up soil for melon roots
CornProvides natural windbreak and partial shade for heat-sensitive melons
BeanFixes nitrogen in soil and doesn't compete for same nutrients as melons
SunflowerAttracts beneficial insects and provides natural trellis support
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and improves overall garden pest resistance

Avoid

CucumberCompetes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like cucumber beetles
PotatoMay stunt melon growth and both plants are susceptible to similar fungal diseases
FennelInhibits growth of most garden plants including melons through allelopathic compounds

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
34
Protein (g)
0.84
Fat (g)
0.19
Carbohydrate (g)
8.16
Fibre (g)
0.9
Sugars (g)
7.86
Vitamin A (µg)
169
Vitamin C (mg)
36.7
Vitamin E (mg)
0.05
Vitamin K (µg)
2.5
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.072
Folate (µg)
21
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.21
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
15
Potassium (mg)
267
Zinc (mg)
0.18
Selenium (µg)
0.4

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the melons growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Cantaloupe Minnesota Midget?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other melons with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Cantaloupe Minnesota Midget suits these too.

Browse all 38 melons