Hale's Best Jumbo, organic seeds

Eco

Information

Was one of the most commonly grown kinds during the 1900s in both Market gardens and private gardens. It was introduced as a named sort in 1923 but had been grown for a long time before that. It has a very netted oval fruit with salmon-pink, firm, sweet flesh. A portion contains about 10 seeds.


 

Product number:3365
Scientific name:Cucumis melo
Botanic family:The Squash Family - Cucurbitaceae
Organic:Yes
Days to maturity:85
Lifespan:Annual
F1 Hybrid:No
New variety:No
Sowing time:Pre-cultivate: April–May
Sowing depth:1–2 cm
Germination time:5–7 days
Plant spacing:40 cm tied up/60–100 cm on the ground
Row spacing:100–150 cm
Height:200-300 cm
Plant location:Sun
Harvest/blooming:August–September
Seeds/g:30–40 seeds
Heirloom variety:No

Cultivation advice

Sowing

The seeds are usually sown indoors or in a hotbed 4-5 weeks before planting outside. Sow in pots, 1 - 2 cm deep and 3-4 seeds in each one. The best germination temperature is around 30°C. Thin out to 1-2 plants in each pot and keep them in a light, airy place. Temper the plants before setting them out, which should be when the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost is over. In really warm places it is possible to sow them directly.

Spacing

The most suitable mutual distance between plants when winding along the ground is 60-100 cm. Bound up in a green house 40 cm is sufficient. The plant, when bound up, may need support for the fruits.   

Harvest

The melon is ripe when its gray green colour begins to change to pale yellow over orange and the fruit easily loosens. The stalk now has fissures close to the hold of the fruit and the full aroma reveals that the melon is ripe. Store it in a cool place.

Seed

30-40 seeds/g one portion yields at least 7-8 good seedlings. 
A portion contains about 10 seeds.