White Crenshaw Melon

Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, planting them in warm conditions between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they develop their first true leaves, and continue growing them indoors under bright light until outdoor soil temperatures reach 70 degrees or warmer.

Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Transplant outdoors only after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Space plants 48 inches apart with 72 inches between rows, setting them at the same depth they were growing in their pots.

Direct sow seeds into the garden after soil temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit and all frost danger has passed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and thin seedlings to 48-inch spacing once they develop their first true leaves.

Harvest White Crenshaw Melons 110 to 119 days after planting, when the melon has reached full size and the skin shows slight color change from dark green to a lighter, creamier tone. The fruit should give slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end, indicating ripeness. The fruit will slip cleanly from the vine when ready to harvest; apply gentle pressure at the base of the stem and twist slightly. Harvest melons in the morning for the sweetest flavor.

As a vining annual, White Crenshaw Melon benefits from light pruning to manage sprawl and improve air circulation. Remove any dead or diseased leaves promptly. If growing on a trellis, gently train the main vine upward and remove excessive lateral growth that won't produce fruit, but avoid heavy pruning that may stress the plant during fruit development.