Can You Plant Cantaloupe Seeds From Fresh Seeds?

Cantaloupe seeds are usually dried for planting next year.

While it's possible to plant seeds taken from a fresh cantaloupe, it isn't usually practical. Cantaloupes need a long, warm growing season to mature. By the time a cantaloupe has developed mature seeds, there aren't enough warm days left in the growing season in most areas to produce another crop. The seeds are usually dried and saved for planting next year.

Hybrids

Hybrid cantaloupes are developed by crossing varieties. The seeds from hybrids may be sterile, and if they germinate and grow, they don't produce melons like the original. Look for melons or seeds labeled open-pollinated or heirloom to ensure that the seeds will have the characteristics you want.

Collecting and Drying

Scoop the pulp from a mature cantaloupe and break it up into a glass jar. Stir or shake gently to loosen the pulp from the seeds. Pulp and bad seeds will float to the top, while good seeds will sink to the bottom. Once separated, spread the good seeds in a single layer to dry for about a week.

Storing

Store dried seeds in an airtight container such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid at temperatures below 75 degrees. If the seeds are thoroughly dry, you can freeze them for long-term storage.

References

• University of California Extension: Collect, Dry and Store Your Garden Seeds Properly
• University of California Cooperative Extension: Vegetable Seed Saving