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Cucumis melo

Cantaloupe · Hami Melon · Melon

Family CucurbitaceaeGenus Cucumis

Two yellow five-lobed flowers with green centers, on hairy stems among lobed leaves
FlowerForest & Kim StarrCC BY 3.0

About the plant

What it is and where it grows — not part of any germination protocol.

The plant

Habit
Annual, Vegetable, Vine, Warm Season VegetableExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Habit
scrambling annualPlants of the World Online
Height
6-9 ft1.8-2.7 mExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Spread
1-3 ft30-90 cmExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Flower
Gold/YellowExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Blooms
SummerExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Native range
Afghanistan, Angola, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gulf States and elsewhereGBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Hardiness zones
2-11Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sunExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil
Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Moisture
Good Drainage, MoistExtension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Toxicity is noted only where a source states it. No note here is not a finding of safety.

Sources: Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — NC State Extension; Plants of the World Online — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Worth knowing

  • One species covers honeydew, cantaloupe and casaba melons: rinds may be smooth, ribbed, wrinkled or netted. Wikipedia: Cucumis melo

Two sources report 8 treatments between them. All are shown.

Protocol 1

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around October 10, 2027 for a May 3 last frost. Too late for spring 2027 — that needed starting on October 9, 2025.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 540 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

about 18 months from start to sowing. Then 3 days to germinate.

100% germination in 3 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae). C. melo (Casaba, honeydew form) has lack of access to oxygen (in the fruit) as the mechanism blocking germination, see Section II (a). The seeds still germ 100% in 4-6 d in 70D after 3 y of DS. C. melo (netted form) showed remarkable effects of DS. The DS increased the percent germination, the rate of germination, and eliminated the promoting effect of light. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(61% in 1-4 w) and 70D(8%). After 2 m DS at 70 the seeds germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%), both in 2-6 d. After 12 or 18 m of DS the seeds germ. 70D(100% on the 3rd d). These results are all on the same sampie of seeds
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 2

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around January 14, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 60 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light

about 2 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

87% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae). C. melo (Casaba, honeydew form) has lack of access to oxygen (in the fruit) as the mechanism blocking germination, see Section II (a). The seeds still germ 100% in 4-6 d in 70D after 3 y of DS. C. melo (netted form) showed remarkable effects of DS. The DS increased the percent germination, the rate of germination, and eliminated the promoting effect of light. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(61% in 1-4 w) and 70D(8%). After 2 m DS at 70 the seeds germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%), both in 2-6 d. After 12 or 18 m of DS the seeds germ. 70D(100% on the 3rd d). These results are all on the same sampie of seeds
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 3

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light

No stated waiting before sowing. Then 28 days to germinate.

61% germination in 7–28 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae). C. melo (Casaba, honeydew form) has lack of access to oxygen (in the fruit) as the mechanism blocking germination, see Section II (a). The seeds still germ 100% in 4-6 d in 70D after 3 y of DS. C. melo (netted form) showed remarkable effects of DS. The DS increased the percent germination, the rate of germination, and eliminated the promoting effect of light. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(61% in 1-4 w) and 70D(8%). After 2 m DS at 70 the seeds germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%), both in 2-6 d. After 12 or 18 m of DS the seeds germ. 70D(100% on the 3rd d). These results are all on the same sampie of seeds
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 4

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around January 14, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Dry storage

    Duration: 60 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  2. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

about 2 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

35% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae). C. melo (Casaba, honeydew form) has lack of access to oxygen (in the fruit) as the mechanism blocking germination, see Section II (a). The seeds still germ 100% in 4-6 d in 70D after 3 y of DS. C. melo (netted form) showed remarkable effects of DS. The DS increased the percent germination, the rate of germination, and eliminated the promoting effect of light. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(61% in 1-4 w) and 70D(8%). After 2 m DS at 70 the seeds germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%), both in 2-6 d. After 12 or 18 m of DS the seeds germ. 70D(100% on the 3rd d). These results are all on the same sampie of seeds
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 5

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1996

Difficulty Very high Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 15, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

No stated waiting before sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

8% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement — N. C. Deno, 1996 · 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae). C. melo (Casaba, honeydew form) has lack of access to oxygen (in the fruit) as the mechanism blocking germination, see Section II (a). The seeds still germ 100% in 4-6 d in 70D after 3 y of DS. C. melo (netted form) showed remarkable effects of DS. The DS increased the percent germination, the rate of germination, and eliminated the promoting effect of light. Fresh seeds germ. 70L(61% in 1-4 w) and 70D(8%). After 2 m DS at 70 the seeds germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%), both in 2-6 d. After 12 or 18 m of DS the seeds germ. 70D(100% on the 3rd d). These results are all on the same sampie of seeds
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 1st Supplement, 1st Supplement, Cucumis p. 35. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 6

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Low Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around January 7, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Leach in running water

    Duration: 7 days

    Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.

  3. Dry storage

    Duration: 60 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  4. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light

about 2 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

87% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbltaceae). C. melo is the common melon. Both the cassaba or honeydew and the netted or canteloupe types were studied. C. melo (cassaba) germ. 100% in 4-6 dafter washing the seeds for only 10 minutes. When the WC was continued for 7 d, the seeds also germ. 100%, but not until 4-6 d after removal from the washing water. This shows that immersion in water inhibits germination, possibly because the germinating seeds require abundant oxygen. The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruit by a thin filament. It is suspected that inhibitors are transmitted through this filament as in Capsicum. When the filament is broken, germination begins. Light, GA-3, or DS at 70 for 2 m had no effect. C. melo (netted) seeds were WC for 10 minutes. These fresh seeds had germination stimulated by light and GA-3. They germ. 70L(61% in 1-3 w), 7013 GA- 3(48% in 1-3 w), and 7013(8%). Germination was much lower in seeds WC for 7 d. The light requirement diminshes on 133. Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%). Two commercial strains were received after months of DS and germ. 90% in 2-5 d in either 70D or 70L showing the elimination of the light requirement on DS.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 7

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around March 8, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Leach in running water

    Duration: 7 days

    Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.

  3. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: light

7 days from start to sowing. Then 21 days to germinate.

61% germination in 7–21 days.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbltaceae). C. melo is the common melon. Both the cassaba or honeydew and the netted or canteloupe types were studied. C. melo (cassaba) germ. 100% in 4-6 dafter washing the seeds for only 10 minutes. When the WC was continued for 7 d, the seeds also germ. 100%, but not until 4-6 d after removal from the washing water. This shows that immersion in water inhibits germination, possibly because the germinating seeds require abundant oxygen. The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruit by a thin filament. It is suspected that inhibitors are transmitted through this filament as in Capsicum. When the filament is broken, germination begins. Light, GA-3, or DS at 70 for 2 m had no effect. C. melo (netted) seeds were WC for 10 minutes. These fresh seeds had germination stimulated by light and GA-3. They germ. 70L(61% in 1-3 w), 7013 GA- 3(48% in 1-3 w), and 7013(8%). Germination was much lower in seeds WC for 7 d. The light requirement diminshes on 133. Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%). Two commercial strains were received after months of DS and germ. 90% in 2-5 d in either 70D or 70L showing the elimination of the light requirement on DS.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

Protocol 8

DerivedN. C. Deno, 1993

Difficulty Moderate Rated by us, not by the source.

Start around January 7, 2027 for a May 3 last frost.

  1. Clean the flesh off the seed

  2. Leach in running water

    Duration: 7 days

    Washed and cleaned daily for 7 days.

  3. Dry storage

    Duration: 60 daysTemperature: 70°F 21°C

  4. Sow and cover

    Temperature: 70°F 21°C Light: dark

about 2 months from start to sowing. Germination time not stated; 21 days assumed.

35% germination.

Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed. — N. C. Deno, 1993 · Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127Public domain
Show the original text
Cucumis (Cucurbltaceae). C. melo is the common melon. Both the cassaba or honeydew and the netted or canteloupe types were studied. C. melo (cassaba) germ. 100% in 4-6 dafter washing the seeds for only 10 minutes. When the WC was continued for 7 d, the seeds also germ. 100%, but not until 4-6 d after removal from the washing water. This shows that immersion in water inhibits germination, possibly because the germinating seeds require abundant oxygen. The seeds are connected to the interior of the fruit by a thin filament. It is suspected that inhibitors are transmitted through this filament as in Capsicum. When the filament is broken, germination begins. Light, GA-3, or DS at 70 for 2 m had no effect. C. melo (netted) seeds were WC for 10 minutes. These fresh seeds had germination stimulated by light and GA-3. They germ. 70L(61% in 1-3 w), 7013 GA- 3(48% in 1-3 w), and 7013(8%). Germination was much lower in seeds WC for 7 d. The light requirement diminshes on 133. Seeds DS for 2 m at 70 germ. 70L(87%) and 70D(35%). Two commercial strains were received after months of DS and germ. 90% in 2-5 d in either 70D or 70L showing the elimination of the light requirement on DS.
Seed Germination Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Ch. 20, Cucumis p. 127. Quoted exactly. Every value on this card comes from this record, except the difficulty rating, which is ours; the step names come from a fixed list.

How each step is done, in Deno’s words, and what Verified and Derived mean.

Germination trials

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