Dakota Sisters Organic Melon

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Cucumis melo

$5.49

Pkt(≈25 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: 1/8 oz (≈ 110 seeds)
Certified Organic
80 days. Dakota Sisters is a classic, netted cantaloupe with orange flesh that is adapted to short growing seasons. Forty years of careful breeding and hard work by David Podoll of Prairie Road Organic Seeds of North Dakota have culminated in this reliable melon that thrives in northern climates. In particular, the Podoll’s have ensured that this variety maintains its smooth texture with medium firmness, juicy sweetness, enticing aroma, and small seed cavity. Melons are medium sized (3-4 lbs) maturing early and easily harvested when fruits slip off vine. In our trials, Dakota Sisters showed intermediate resistance to downy mildew, holding out long enough to produce an abundant harvest before de-foliating. Released under the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) to keep seeds unpatented and in the hands of the people for all times.

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 5/1. 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 6/1. Or, direct sow seeds outdoors (1/2” deep) around 6/1, 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).