Cantaloupe

Basic Information

Seed Number

92

Seed Name

Cantaloupe

Variety

Planters 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

85–88 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1/2 in

Plant Spacing

18 in

Row Spacing

6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

18 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

1-2 in/week during vine growth and fruit set; maintain even moisture while fruits develop

Soil Preference

Warm, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

10+ gal; best in ground

Plant Height

12-18 in; vigorous trailing vine

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

No

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

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: Planters Jumbo matures in the mid-80-day range and should perform within Southeast Michigan's frost-free season when planted after warm weather arrives.
Germination: Warm soil around 70-90°F is appropriate for muskmelon germination. Avoid prolonged cold or saturated soil.
Harvest: Harvest when fruits are aromatic, netting is fully developed and the fruit reaches mature slip. Fruits commonly weigh about 4-5 pounds.
Seed Saving: Planters Jumbo is open-pollinated and crosses with other Cucumis melo varieties but not watermelons, cucumbers or squash. Isolate or hand-pollinate for pure seed.
Special Care: Documented resistance to powdery and downy mildew is useful in humid summer conditions. Plants are also reported to perform well under drought or high rainfall.
Research Source: Urban Farmer — https://www.ufseeds.com/product/planters-jumbo-cantaloupe-seeds/MEPJ.html — 85-day maturity, open-pollinated status, 12-18 inch height, 18-inch spacing, 6-foot rows, 1/2-inch depth and mildew resistance
Research Source: MIgardener — https://migardener.com/products/planters-jumbo-cantaloupe — 85-day maturity, full sun and powdery/downy mildew resistance
Research Source: Everwilde Farms — https://www.everwilde.com/store/Planters-Jumbo-Melon-Seeds.html — approximately 88-day maturity and Cucumis melo seed-saving cross-pollination guidance
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]