Cantaloupe

Basic Information

Seed Number

90

Seed Name

Cantaloupe

Variety

Hales Best Jumbo

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Muskmelon/cantaloupe (Cucumis melo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 14

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 14 – Apr 28

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

3 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

85–110 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

75-85°F

Planting Depth

1/2-1 in

Plant Spacing

18-24 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

18-24 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

1-2 in/week during establishment, flowering and fruit enlargement; avoid excessive watering near ripeness

Soil Preference

Warm, moist but well-drained, nutrient-rich loam to sandy loam; approximately pH 6.5-7.5

Minimum Container Size

10-15 gal with trellis or vine space

Plant Height

6-12 in; trailing vine

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after soil warms or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 25 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 75–100 days
Container Friendly: Possible, 10+ gal; best in ground
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Choose short-season varieties in Zone 6B. Later sowing is risky.
Zone 6B Notes: Needs heat, space, and consistent watering.
Companion Plants: Corn, sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, radish, herbs nearby for pollinators
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Start indoors 3-5 weeks before planting out or direct sow after frost when soil reaches at least the mid-70s°F. Southeast Michigan's season is adequate when planted promptly.
Germination: Best germination occurs around 75-85°F. Avoid root disturbance when transplanting.
Harvest: Harvest when the fruit develops full aroma, background rind color changes and the stem reaches slip stage.
Seed Saving: Hales Best Jumbo is an open-pollinated Cucumis melo and crosses with other muskmelons and cantaloupes. Isolate or hand-pollinate for pure seed.
Special Care: Published seed companies give maturity ranges from about 85 to 110 days, likely reflecting source and growing conditions; the full verified range is preserved.
Research Source: True Leaf Market — https://trueleafmarket.com/products/melon-cantaloupe-hales-best-jumbo-organic-seeds — 5-10 day germination, 85-110 day maturity, depth, spacing, plant height, soil texture and pH
Research Source: Rupp Seeds — https://www.ruppseeds.com/vegetables/products/melons/cantaloupe/hales-best-jumbo — 75-85°F soil temperature, 3-5 week indoor start, depth and spacing
Research Source: Ferry-Morse — https://ferrymorse.com/products/cantaloupe-hales-best-jumbo — Hales Best Jumbo sowing depth and vine culture
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]