Grown Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe?

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Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe — Melons

70-75days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F or start indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering
Soil: Well-drained sandy loam with good organic matter
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: 4-5 inches diameter, 1-2 pounds
Shape: Round to slightly oval
Flavour: Sweet and aromatic with classic cantaloupe flavor

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, fruit salads, breakfast dishes, smoothies

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance: Good resistance to cool weather stress, moderate disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	May – June	July	July – August	September
3	May	June – July	June – August	September – October
4	April – May	June	June – July	September – October
5	April	May – June	May – July	August – October
6	April	May – June	May – July	August – September
7	March – April	May	May – June	July – September
8	March	April – May	April – June	July – August
9	February	March – April	March – May	June – July
10	January – February	March	March – April	May – July
11	January	February	February – March	April – June
12	January	February	February – March	April – June
13	January	February	February – March	April – June

Companion planting

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

BasilRepels aphids, whiteflies, and thrips while potentially improving melon flavor

MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, draws pests away from melons

RadishesRepels cucumber beetles and squash bugs while loosening soil with taproots

BeansFixes nitrogen in soil and provides natural ground cover without competing

CornProvides natural windbreak and vertical structure without root competition

SunflowersAttracts beneficial insects and provides shade during hot afternoons

OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and improves overall garden biodiversity

Avoid

CucumbersCompetes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like cucumber beetles

PotatoesMay stunt melon growth and both crops are susceptible to similar fungal diseases

Aromatic herbs (strong)Strong herbs like sage can inhibit melon germination and growth

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

← PreviousCharentais Cantaloupe Next →Blacktail Mountain Watermelon

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe?

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