Emerald Gem Organic Melon

Nature & Nurture Seeds

Cucumis melo

$4.99

Pkt(≈20 seeds)
VALUE SIZE: (≈75 seeds)
Certified Organic
77 days. This melon from Benzie County, Michigan was introduced in 1886. Its exquisite, floral, sweet flavor rivals that of the best French melons. Melt-in-your-mouth flesh is refreshingly juicy - eat it like ice cream with a spoon! Early, vigorous vines are productive in the north and grow well in clay soil. Emerald green fruits ripen to a yellow-orange with pastel-orange flesh. Will keep for weeks in the fridge. Medium sized fruits (approx. 6" long, 2 lbs.) are perfect for urban and homestead gardeners. This heirloom variety has quite a bit of natural variation - we have been selecting only the sweetest fruit for seed saving. We're lucky this older variety is still with us!

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).