Growing Ball 2076 Hybrid Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
- Latin Name: cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
- Other Names:
- Days to Maturity: 85 days
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Planting Depth: ½"
- Plant Spacing: 2-3”
- Row Spacing: 4-6’
- Growth Habit: Vine
- Soil Preference: Rich, sandy, Ph 7 to 7.8
- Temp Preference: Warmer
- Light Preference: Full Sun
- Pests/diseases: Resistant to alternaria, powdery mildew, and downy mildew
- Color: Light golden
- Flavor: Mild, similar to honeydew.
Growing Directions:
The Ball 2076 Hybrid cantaloupe needs a warm and sunny climate. If the final frost in your area is late, it may be beneficial to start seeds indoors and transplant them after a few weeks. These melons shouldn’t grow outside until the final threat of frost has passed. They should be planted in soil that has a pH between 7 and 7.8, which is rich and sandy. Sow the seeds half an inch deep, with the pointed part of the seed facing downward. For the vines to have sufficient room to grow, keep each plant two to three feet apart with rows four to six feet apart. As the vines grow, pinch off blossoms and small melons growing on them. This will increase the future growth of larger melons. It is also important not to let the leaves of the vine get too damp, so as you water them, do so close to the soil surface. The melons will be ready to harvest when they are starting to pull away from the vine, and they are easier to pick off. They should also be turning a golden color. For the Ball 2076 variety, this will happen around 85 days after the seeds are started. The melons can keep for two to three weeks after they are harvested.
Facts:
Read this article by Live Science about the nutritional value of cantaloupe.