Katsura Giant Pickling Melon Seeds (Oshiro Uri) – Large Japanese White Melon, Up to 14", Crunchy & Mild, Pickling & Stuffing

Katsura Giant Pickling Melon – Japanese White Melon (Cucumis melo var. conomon)

The Katsura Giant is a premier Japanese pickling melon — one of the largest and most impressive in the oshiro uri (white melon) family. Its light green, oval fruits can grow to an impressive 14 inches long and 4–5 inches in diameter, with crisp, crunchy white flesh that is mild, refreshing, and ideal for pickling. A top choice for Japanese-style preserved vegetables, Katsura Giant is equally delicious eaten raw when young, stuffed and baked with savory fillings, or added to stir-fries.

The vining plant produces abundantly with lateral branching and may benefit from hand pollination. Train it to climb a trellis for better air circulation and easier harvesting, or allow to sprawl with support.

Seed Details

• Variety: Katsura Giant Pickling Melon (Oshiro Uri)
• Japanese Name: Oshiro Uri
• Chinese Names: Tsit Kwa, Bai Gua, Cai Gua
• Fruit: Up to 14" long, 4–5" diameter; light green, oval, crunchy white flesh
• Flavor: Mild, refreshing, cucumber-like; crisp texture
• Best Use: Pickling, stuffed & baked, stir-fries, soups, raw when young
• Growing Habit: Vining with lateral branching; benefits from trellis support
• Pollination: May benefit from hand pollination

Growing Instructions

• Plant in warm, well-drained soil in full sun after last frost. Warm temperatures are essential.
• Hill planting: Form soil mounds, space 3–5 feet apart; sow 2–3 seeds per hill. Thin to the strongest seedling.
• Keep soil consistently moist; fertilize regularly for vigorous growth and large fruit.
• Train vines on a trellis for better air circulation, easier harvesting, and straighter fruit.
• Place melon cradles or cardboard beneath fruit resting on the ground to prevent soil contact and improve flavor.

Harvesting

• Harvest young for fresh eating and mild flavor.
• For pickling, harvest at medium size before the skin turns fully white.
• For stuffing, allow fruit to reach full size (up to 14").

Select your desired seed quantity above. A top performer for Japanese pickling traditions and specialty vegetable gardens.