Delightful Melon

Direct sow Delightful Melon seeds into warm soil after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills or individual planting spots spaced 48 inches apart, with rows 72 inches apart.

Harvest Delightful Melons when they reach full maturity at 100 to 109 days after planting. The fruit is ready when the netting is fully developed and clearly visible against the background color, the melon yields slightly to gentle pressure at the blossom end, and the characteristic sweet aroma is pronounced. The most reliable indicator is when the melon slips easily from the vine with a gentle twist; a ripe melon will separate cleanly without resistance. Cut the fruit rather than pulling to avoid damaging the vine.

Pruning is generally not necessary for this vining cantaloupe, as the natural sprawling growth habit distributes fruiting along the vines. If space is limited, you may selectively remove some lateral runners to redirect the plant's energy toward fruit development, but avoid aggressive pruning that removes too much foliage and exposes developing fruits to sunscald.