The Growth Cycle of a Honeydew Melon

Honeydew melon has sweet, pale green flesh.

Honeydew melons grow on ground vines much like muskmelons, cantaloupes and watermelons. They are slow-growing fruits that thrive best in areas with long, hot summers and shelter from chilly winds.

Small Beginnings

Honeydew melons develop from seeds. The seeds are planted in mounds in a circular pattern, about 1 inch deep in well-fertilized soil. The mounds should be 4 to 5 feet apart to give the vines and melons room to grow and develop.

Sprouting

In four to six weeks, the seed sprouts peek through the soil. The seedlings are thinned to three to four per mound to allow room for the melons to grow unhindered.

Flowering and Pods

Depending on the climate, flowers form on the sprouts within two to three weeks. As the flowers die and fall off, pods that will grow into melons develop in their place.

Harvesting

In four to six weeks, depending on the environment, the honeydew melons are fully developed and ready to harvest. Ripe melons have a milky white exterior and vines that easily yield to cutting.

References

• How to Garden Advice: Gardening: Growing Honeydew Melons
• Bonnie Plants: How to Grow Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons