Honeydew, which are known botanically as Cucumis melo var. inodorus, are a type of fruit that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing honeydew as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Honeydew
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the honeydew melon seeds after the last danger of frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when honeydew are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Honeydew the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing honeydew in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your honeydew grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile. Soil PH levels should be around 6.0 to 6.5.
3-4 feet apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. 2-3 feet apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1-2″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your honeydew melon seedlings 2-3 feet apart when seedlings are 3-4″ tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Honeydew
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your honeydew. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your honeydew should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Honeydew
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your honeydew do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your honeydew begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Honeydew to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your honeydew grow.
It takes approximately 7-14 days to germinate, and a total of 75-100 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Honeydew
The best time to harvest your honeydew is when the skin turns from green to creamy white and the fruit separates easily from the vine.
Honeydew can grow up to about 4-8″ diameter fruit.
What Can Honeydew Be Used For?
Food Use: great for snacking, salads, and smoothies
Flavor Profile: sweet, juicy, and refreshing.
Can Honeydew Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you can plant up to 1 plant per 24″ container. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your honeydew around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Honeydew Safe for Bees?
Yes, honeydew are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing honeydew is bee-friendly.
