Soil: melons want lots of organic matter (compost and/or decomposed manure). Melons do not like their roots disturbed during transplanting. Start seeds indoors in small biodegradable pots May 1st. Ideal temperature for germination: 85-95° (use heating mat). Melon seedlings are sensitive to damping off fungus so keep seeds on the drier side and use a fan (set to low) to provide air circulation. Days to germination: 4-5. Once 2 leaves appear, grow plants at 72°. Do not let plant become pot-bound in their pots. Transplant them outdoors, pot & all, around June 1st. Or, direct sow seeds outdoors (1/2” deep) around June 1st, keeping seeds moist until germination. Protect germinating seeds from slugs (use phosphate organic slug bait). Protect plants from cucumber beetles by covering seeds/seedlings with row cover fabric at planting. Protect plants from groundhogs and deer. Water plants regularly (we recommend drip irrigation/soaker hoses).
Check melons regularly for ripeness!
When ripening, the melon rind will start to turn from green to more yellow/orange and soften up a bit when pushed on with a thumb. You will know the melon is ready when a gentle tug will detach it from the vine (the melon starts separating from the vine but you can't usually see this until you nudge it). When the environmental conditions are right, Emerald Gem has super sweet, exquisite flavor but the melons have a short time (1-2 days) between ripe and rotting (or animals, especially racoons, find and damage them because they are so sweet!). So be sure to keep checking them daily.
If the plants have disease (such as powdery/downy mildew or antracnose) that makes the leaves fall off before the melon ripens, the melon will not reach it's full, sweet flavor.
Melons are insect pollinated and will cross with all other melon varieties (except watermelons) within ½ mile (or let the melon varieties cross and see what you get!). Minimum population size: 6-25 plants (but you can save seed from less # of plants if the seeds are for your own use). Always select seeds from the best plants. Rinse and dry seeds from ripe melons.
Our Recommendations with Emerald Gem Organic Melon
