Melon, Hales Best Jumbo Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) - 50 seeds

•Organic
•Heirloom
•Non-GMO
•American grown seeds
•Open Pollinated
•Drought tolerant and easy to grow
•USDA Zones: 3-12

Description:
Introduced in 1924 by I.D. Hale, the Hales Best Jumbo is one of the most popular open pollinated melon varieties. The melon is great for home vegetable gardens or the market garden. The fruit itself is noted for its succulence and sweetness, and is virtually synonymous with backyard barbecues, endless sunny afternoons, and all other summer rites. Hales Best requires around 85 to harvest after germination.

Nutritional Value:
Cantaloupe is bursting with nutrients: It's loaded with vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) as well as vitamin C, and is a good source of the mineral potassium. Another benefit is that the fruit's deep-orange flesh is full of flavor, but is low in calories.

Growing Instructions:
This melon thrives in warmer, more tropic climates. This plant will produce uniform round, juicy melons for summer eating! The Hales Best Jumbo cantaloupe seeds can be sown indoors and transplanted outdoors after two to four weeks. When sowing, plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep, with 4-6 feet between plants. The cantaloupe can benefit from mulch, which will help maintain the moisture of the soil. While the cantaloupe is growing, monitor the vine and pinch off any blossoms or smaller melons. By doing this, you can redirect the energy from the vine to the biggest fruits. When watering the vine, it’s best to do so at a low level. This will prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can cause and spread disease through the vine. When the cantaloupe melons are slightly golden, they should easily be pulled from the vine. Picked melons will keep for several weeks.