FruitMelon
Edisto 47 Melon
Cantaloupe
Developed at Clemson University in 1965, Edisto 47 carries the legacy of Southern melon breeding excellence in every sweet, salmon-colored bite. This heirloom cantaloupe was specifically engineered to thrive in the oppressive heat and humidity of the Southeast, producing 3 to 5 pound melons in 80 to 89 days across zones 2 through 13. The incredibly vigorous vines spread with large leaves, creating a sprawling canopy that delivers heavy yields even when temperatures soar and other varieties falter.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/melon-cantaloupe-edisto-47-seeds)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp75-90°F
Growth Stats
15 in
Height
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine
Spacing
24-36 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
15in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Edisto 47 apart is its bulletproof disease resistance, standing strong against six major melon ailments including Fusarium Wilt, Powdery Mildew, and Bacterial Wilt that devastate other varieties. The vigorous vines produce consistently sized melons with that perfect balance of sweet, juicy flesh and reliable shipping quality that made it a commercial favorite. This isn't just another cantaloupe, it's a heat warrior bred specifically for challenging growing conditions where other melons simply give up.
Common Uses
These sweet, juicy melons shine when eaten fresh, their salmon-colored flesh perfect for fruit salads, solo snacking, or elegant dessert presentations. The smooth texture and balanced sweetness make them excellent candidates for blending into smoothies or incorporating into chilled soups for hot summer days. Their reliable size and good shipping qualities also make them ideal for sharing with neighbors or taking to farmers markets.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date, but transplant very carefully to avoid disturbing the sensitive roots.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors only after soil has warmed to at least 70°F and all danger of frost has passed, handling root systems gently during the move.
Direct Sow
Sow seeds directly into warm soil once temperatures reach 70°F and frost danger has passed, planting in the optimal temperature range this variety craves.
Harvesting
Watch for the skin to transform from green to a light tan or golden color as the surface netting becomes more pronounced and defined. Ripe melons develop a sweet, fragrant aroma and the stem will separate easily from the fruit with gentle pressure, while the blossom end may feel slightly soft to the touch. Harvest by grasping the melon and gently twisting it off the vine in the cool morning hours for best flavor, avoiding pulling or yanking which can damage the plant.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Scientific Classification
Cucumis L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucumis
History & Origin
“Edisto 47 emerged from the breeding programs at Clemson University in South Carolina in 1965, created as an improved version of the original Edisto cantaloupe. The researchers at Clemson weren't just tinkering with flavor, they were solving real problems plaguing Southern melon growers. They specifically bred this variety to resist the trinity of fungal diseases that thrived in hot, humid growing regions: downy mildew, powdery mildew, and fusarium wilt. The result was a cantaloupe that could not only survive but thrive in the challenging climate of the southeastern United States, earning its place as a favored variety throughout the region.”