{"product_id":"minnesota-midget-melon","title":"Minnesota Midget Melon Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Minnesota Midget melon is a delicious, compact cantaloupe variety, specially bred for short growing seasons and cooler climates\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can you grow Minnesota Midget Melon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow in late spring or start indoors with transplanting after frosts.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost and transplant after hardening off.\u003cbr\u003eZone 4: Start indoors early and grow in a protected environment like a greenhouse or warm microclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Minnesota Midget Melon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2 cm (¾ in) deep, spacing 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart in hills or rows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil consistently moist, especially during fruit development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick when fruit easily slips from the vine or starts to smell fragrant; leave stems attached for better post-harvest ripening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose fully ripe melons with excellent flavor and good size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Extraction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scoop out seeds and pulp, rinse, and ferment in water for a few days.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and Cleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse seeds thoroughly, spread on a screen or cloth, and allow to dry completely before storing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dry place. Seeds can remain viable for 5 to 6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644641730928,"sku":"MF-MELON-002","price":16.0,"currency_code":"QAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/melon_Minnesota_Midget.png?v=1777326884","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-qa\/products\/minnesota-midget-melon","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}