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Botanical Interests

Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe/Muskmelon Melon Seeds

Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe/Muskmelon Melon Seeds

Regular price $2.99
Sale price $2.99 Regular price
~1.0 g (~34 seeds)
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Product Details

This delightful little melon introduced in 1948 by the University of Minnesota produces loads of 4" fruit, sweet and juicy to the rind. Melons in general, love long, hot seasons, but this variety is specially suited to areas with a short growing season, though it can be grown anywhere. Compact, 36" plants are great for containers. Plants are Fusarium wilt resistant.

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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info
  • Growing Info

Variety Info

Days to Maturity: 60–70 days

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Type: Cantaloupe (Learn more)

Native: Africa, Asia, Australia, West Pacific Islands

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: Compact vines up to 36" long

Variety Info: 4" round fruits with fine, dense netting and golden-yellow flesh, high sugar content, edible to the rind. 'Minnesota Midget' was developed in 1948 by the University of Minnesota at St. Paul.

Attributes: Fusarium Wilt Resistant, Frost Sensitive, Good for Containers

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F.

When to Start Inside: Recommended for short-season areas. 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting within 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Sow into biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground; roots are sensitive to disturbance.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 2–3 seeds per mound

Row Spacing: 24"–36" apart

Thinning: Thin to 1 plant per mound

Growing Info

Harvesting: Harvesting at the right time is very important with melons. Commercial growers harvest before melons are ripe, forcing them to ripen off the vine, but, the last few days of ripening on the vine put a lot of sugars into the melon. Bottom line is that melons taste significantly better when vine ripened. How do you know when melons are ripe? These indicators: 1) The color between the surface netting is brown, not green. 2) A ripe melon will have a pleasant, fruity aroma at the blossom end. 3) A crack will form on the stem right near the point of attachment. This is called the "slip stage". Harvest when the stem end turns yellow and vines easily "slip" away when the fruit is gently twisted. If it is somewhat difficult to detach the fruit from the vine, the melon is not ready yet. Do not allow to over-ripen.

4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 25 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 19 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 3 Total 1 star reviews: 2
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25 reviews
  • Ve C.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Oct 14, 2024
    5 Stars

    Seeds germinated with no issues and I have healthy, fruiting plants :)

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
  • Michelle L.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Jun 13, 2024
    5 Stars

    I was skeptical but was I wrong! I have these growing in a raised garden box. Great germination indoors under grow light. Moved out to garden and they went bananas…. Getting so many cantaloupes. Huge surprise. Super happy. Small (hence midget), easy to grow, prolific.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Lily ..
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Jan 28, 2024
    5 Stars

    Adorable and tasty! I've planted these for a few years now, and some years are more productive than others--- especially depending on how many getting eaten by squirrels or my neighbors' dog... I think they would be more productive if I planted them in a sunnier spot with better soil, but there's only so much good real estate in my garden so I make do.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
  • Kali M.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Sep 2, 2023
    5 Stars

    OMG! I live in western Nebraska. These tasted just like Rocky Ford cantaloupe. We’ve had hot days and cool nights which is the ideal growing conditions for Rocky Fords. My only regret was only growing a couple vines. Next year I’m devoting a whole bed to these. My husband is over the top with these.

  • Shenell J.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Mar 27, 2025
    5 Stars

    I’ve been happy with my purchases so far since 2022.