Hales Best Melon Cantaloupe

Melon Hales Best

Melon Hales Best is a classic open-pollinated heirloom muskmelon variety prized for its exceptional sweetness and rich, aromatic flavor. The fruits are round to slightly oval with a heavily netted rind and thick, juicy orange flesh. Unlike hybrids,  Hales Best is open-pollinated, making it a favorite for home gardeners who want to save their own seed. Plants are vigorous and productive, producing large melons that thrive in warm summer conditions. This variety has been a trusted choice for generations due to its flavor, reliability, and adaptability.  Hales Best melons are juicy, fragrant, aromatic flesh, and perfect for fresh eating, desserts, and summer salads.

Planting Instructions for Melon Hales Best

General Sowing Time: Sow directly in spring to early summer once the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed above 18°C.

Position: Full sun (6–8 hours daily). Prefers rich, well-drained sandy or loamy soil with good organic matter.

Suitable Space: Best for open garden beds, raised beds, or field planting. Can also be grown on trellises to keep fruit off the ground.

Sow Depth: Plant seeds 1.5–2 cm deep and cover lightly with soil.

Spacing: Space plants 40–60 cm apart, with 1–1.5 m between rows to allow vines to spread.

Height/Spread: Vigorous vining habit; can spread 2–3 m across the ground.

Germination: Seeds germinate within 7–10 days in warm, moist soil.

Days to Harvest: Fruits are ready about 85–95 days from sowing, depending on climate and growing conditions.

Temperature: Thrives between 22°C–30°C. Sensitive to frost and prolonged cold.

Watering: Keep soil moist during early growth and flowering. Reduce watering as fruit nears maturity to concentrate sugars for the best sweetness.

Fertilizing: Apply balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or potassium-rich feed during fruiting. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent leafy growth over fruit production.

Pests/Diseases: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew, aphids, and fruit flies. Good spacing, crop rotation, and proper watering reduce risks.

In summary: Melon Hales Best is an open-pollinated heirloom variety known for its outstanding sweet flavor and aromatic flesh. Although it takes slightly longer to mature than hybrids, it rewards growers with large, juicy fruits that capture the true taste of traditional muskmelons.