The Minnesota Midget melon is a delicious, compact cantaloupe variety, specially bred for short growing seasons and cooler climates. The vines remain small, making it an excellent option for container growing or small spaces. Each plant yields 6 to 8 small, round melons with deep orange, juicy, sweet flesh and a very fragrant, traditional melon flavor. The slightly rough, netted skin and segmented ribs give the fruit the classic muskmelon appearance. Fruits continue to ripen after harvest if picked with their stems, allowing for extended use.

Where can you grow Minnesota Midget Melon?
This variety is well-suited for zones 4 to 9 and prefers full sun, warmth, and fertile, well-drained soil. It thrives in raised beds, greenhouses, and sunny garden plots.

History and Historical Uses
Developed in the mid-20th century by the University of Minnesota, this variety was created for northern gardeners seeking a sweet, fast-maturing melon that could adapt to short, cool seasons. Its reliable production and small size made it a popular variety for home gardens and local markets in Canada and the northern US.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow in late spring or start indoors with transplanting after frosts.
Zones 5–7: Start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost and transplant after hardening off.
Zone 4: Start indoors early and grow in a protected environment like a greenhouse or warm microclimate.

How to Grow and Harvest Minnesota Midget Melon

Planting: Sow seeds 2 cm (¾ in) deep, spacing 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart in hills or rows.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development.
Harvest: Pick when fruit easily slips from the vine or starts to smell fragrant; leave stems attached for better post-harvest ripening.
Care: Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Fruit Selection: Choose fully ripe melons with excellent flavor and good size.
Seed Extraction: Scoop out seeds and pulp, rinse, and ferment in water for a few days.
Drying and Cleaning: Rinse seeds thoroughly, spread on a screen or cloth, and allow to dry completely before storing.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Seeds can remain viable for 5 to 6 years.

Certified Organic by
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)