Melon Seeds - Banana

This exotic banana-shaped melon plant has been a beloved choice in gardens for years. Its vibrant yellow skin and impressive 24" length make it a standout. Each melon can weigh up to 8 pounds, and its salmon-orange flesh is both flavorful and fragrant. This unique variety, aptly named the Banana Melon for its appearance, is a must-try for those seeking a deliciously sweet option at specialty markets. It takes approximately 90 days to grow and ripen, making it a tasty addition to any garden.

• • 1 oz - Approximately 900 Seeds
  • 4 oz - Approximately 3,600 Seeds
  • 1 lb - Approximately 14,400 Seeds

The banana melon is a sweet, elongated fruit with a tropical aroma. These melons weigh 5 to 8 pounds and are 16 to 24 inches long. They are ready to harvest after 90 days and can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or used in salads, salsas, entrees, and drinks.

Sowing:Wait to plant melons until the soil temperature reaches 70-80 degrees F and start banana melon plants indoors only 2-4 weeks before transplanting. Sow 1/2" deep of several seeds in each peat pot, keeping them at 75 degrees until they germinate. Thin to the strongest plant in each pot by removing the others. Gradually expose the plants to outdoor temperatures by placing them outside during the day, then transplant them to hills 4-6' apart with 2-3 plants in each hill. To maximize companion planting benefits, consider planting melons near corn, but avoid planting them near potatoes.

Growing: For optimal growth, consider using black plastic to warm the soil and apply mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. The presence of adequate moisture is essential, especially as the vines mature. In late summer, it is recommended to remove blossoms and smaller fruits to focus the plant's energy on developing larger, ripe fruits before frost arrives.

Harvesting: When the melon is ready to eat, it will have a yellow color and a strong scent. The stem should detach effortlessly, and the blossom end should feel slightly soft. The melon can be stored for multiple weeks in a cool location.