Hales Best Melon – 10 Seeds

Hales Best Melon Seeds. Hale’s Best cantaloupe is a classic favorite dating back to the 1920s. It was introduced into the market by I.D. Hale, hence the name, who discovered this varietal in Imperial County near Brawley, CA under development by a Japanese grower.

This spanspek, cantaloupe, or muskmelon, has heavily netted skin with thick walls and a small seed cavity, allowing for more of its mouth-watering, sweet fruit. It is more tolerant of drought than other cantaloupes and can be grown in a wider variety of climates.

Growing Hales Best Melon

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter / Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring and Early Summer.

• Do not plant them outside until the soil temps is at least 21-26 C.
• Sow several seeds 1cm deep in peat pots and keep them at a constant 23 C while germinating.
• Thin to one strong plant per pot.
• Harden the plants gradually by placing them outside for increasing numbers of hours each successive day so they are nice and strong when you transplant them.
• Transplant the seedlings in compost amended hills 4-6 inches apart with 2-3 plants per hill, in full sun.
• Consistent watering at onset is crucial for plump, juicy melon production. Reduce watering once fruit is set.
• Pinch off smaller fruits after midsummer so the plant can send all its energy to the larger fruit.
• Can be grown on trellises.
• After about 85 days, the blossom end will have some give with an aromatic aroma.
• A crack will form on the stem right near the attachment point. This is called the “slip stage” and allows the melon to detach from the vine. This should be very easy, requiring no effort. If you have too force it, the melon isn’t ready.
• Melons can also be removed from the vine and allowed to ripen further.