Growing Japanese New Melon in the Vegetable Garden
Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late spring/early summer after the last frost in a warm, sunny location. Soil temperatures below 50 F can slow growth. Consider using black plastic and fabric row covers to speed soil warming. Sandy or light-textured soils that warm quickly in spring are best. Space plants 24 inches in a row or 2-3 plants per hill. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Melons are heavy feeders, so fertilizing is crucial. Use a balanced fertilizer when planting (something like 10-10-10). As the vines grow, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flower and fruit development. Organic options like compost, aged manure, or fish emulsion can provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Once the fruit begins to develop, reduce watering slightly to help concentrate the sugars and improve the fruit’s flavor.
Though not required, some gardeners choose to prune the vines to encourage better fruit production. You can pinch off the growing tips after the vines have set 4-5 fruits to focus the plant’s energy on ripening those melons. Supporting the plants with a trellis or netting is helpful, especially in small spaces or containers. Training the vines vertically can also help with air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases like powdery mildew.
Harvesting Japanese New Melon
The best way to know if the melon is ready to harvest is by observing the color change of the rind. The skin will turn from a pale green to a more yellow or creamy hue, and the melon will emit a fragrant, sweet smell when ripe. Another sign is that the stem begins to crack or easily detaches from the vine with light pressure.
To harvest, gently cut the melon from the vine with a sharp knife or garden shears, leaving a small piece of the stem attached. Handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising. After harvesting, the melons can continue to ripen slightly at room temperature.
About Japanese New Melon Garden Seeds
Alternate names: Makuwauri or meron
In Japan, melons are often meticulously cultivated in greenhouses and sold at premium prices due to their perfect shape, texture, and flavor. This variety was bred for superior sweetness, smooth texture, and a refined, visually appealing appearance, making it a popular choice for high-end markets and gift-giving.
The Japanese New Melon is used primarily for fresh eating. Its mild, sweet flavor makes it perfect for enjoying on its own, in fruit salads, or paired with light, savory elements like prosciutto. It can also be incorporated into desserts, smoothies, or chilled soups for a refreshing treat.
Japanese New Melons are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health and boosting the immune system.
Other Resources
Japanese New Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
Non-GMO Japanese New Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
|
| Melon Type: |
Asian - Different types of melons that are either varieties originating from, or are very popular in one or more Asian countries. These may include cantaloupes, honeydew, pickling melons and other Asian melon classes. Other - There are many categories of melons and anything not included in one of the named categories here are included in 'other'. These include but aren't limited to Galia, Canary, Charentais, Winter, Piel de Sapo, Christmas melons, etc. |
| Japanese New Melon Color: |
Yellow husk and green flesh. |
| Japanese New Melon Flavor: |
Sweet and juicy, with a mild, delicate flavor similar to that of a honeydew melon but with a smoother, more refined texture. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: |
110-120 |
| Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: |
0.5-1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: |
24 inches in a row or 2-3 plants per hill. |
| Row Spacing: |
4-6 Feet |
| Plant Height: |
12-15 inches |
| Growth Habit: |
Sprawling and Trailing Vine |
| Soil Preference: |
Melons prefer warm, well-draining but moist, nutrient-rich, loamy to sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. |
| Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-90 F). |
| Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. |
| Start Indoors: |
Yes. Melons may be started indoors 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed starting containers for long as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock. |
| Melon Pollination: |
Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators. |
| Plant Width: |
36-48 inches |
| Growth Speed: |
Late - Ready for harvest around 100-120 days or more. |
| Deer Resistant: |
No |
| Germination Temperature: |
70-95 F |
| Pests and Diseases: |
Generally, melons are commonly susceptible to pest damage by aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, cutworms, white flies, and melon worms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Melons are also susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, and Bacterial Wilt. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
| Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
| Melon Use: |
This melon is perfect for fresh eating, in fruit salads, or as a refreshing snack. It can also be used in desserts, smoothies, or even paired with savory dishes like prosciutto. |
| Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |
