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There appears to be significant confusion in the data sources about what "Ambrosia" actually represents. While one source describes an apple variety discovered in British Columbia in the 1990s, others detail a cantaloupe melon and even corn varieties. The botanical classification points to Cucumis melo (cantaloupe), making this a medium to large yellow-fruited melon that typically matures in 80-89 days and thrives in zones 2-13 with full sun exposure.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-13
84in H x 180in W
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Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
This variety showcases the complexity of modern seed catalogs, where a single name can represent multiple distinct plants. If this is indeed the cantaloupe melon as the scientific classification suggests, it offers impressive disease resistance against five major threats including Anthracnose, Bacterial Wilt, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, and Powdery Mildew. The plant grows upright to 72-84 inches tall with a substantial 144-180 inch spread, producing medium to large yellow fruits.
Based on the melon classification, this variety excels in fresh eating applications, particularly as an appetizer when paired with prosciutto. The thick, sweet flesh with its small seed cavity makes it ideal for both fresh consumption and preservation through canning or freezing if this represents a corn variety instead.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
For cantaloupe interpretation, start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost, sowing 0.5 to 1 inch deep. Ensure soil temperature reaches at least 70°F for proper germination.
Transplant seedlings once soil warms to at least 70°F and all danger of frost has passed. Space transplants according to the specific variety interpretation.
Direct sow seeds 0.5 to 1 inch deep after soil temperature reaches at least 70°F. Space seeds according to variety type, with significant variation noted in source data.
Melons are ready when they reach full size, the skin beneath the netting turns slightly yellowish, and the stem begins to naturally detach with a slight tug. A sweet fragrance should be detectable at the blossom end. Gently tug the fruit - if ripe, it will detach easily from the vine.
For upright growing melons, pinch off growing tips of vines after a few fruits have set to concentrate the plant's energy into developing larger, higher-quality fruits.
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“According to one source, the Ambrosia apple variety emerged as a chance seedling discovered in the 1990s in the orchard of Wilfrid and Sally Mennell at Cawston, British Columbia, Canada, quickly becoming a national favorite. However, other sources describe Ambrosia as a hybrid cantaloupe developed in the U.S. as an improvement upon traditional cantaloupes, specifically bred for better flavor and disease resistance and recommended by Utah State University.”