Melon - Banana

Minimum Seed Count: 10

The Banana Melon is a historic American heirloom dating back to the 1880s, prized for its unique look and tropical sweetness. Its long, banana-shaped fruits grow up to 18 inches in length and turn a golden yellow when ripe, giving off a rich, spicy fragrance. The flesh inside is a salmon-orange color—juicy, smooth, and bursting with a flavor often compared to a blend of cantaloupe and banana. Beyond its novelty appearance, this melon is loved for its heavy yields and old-fashioned dessert quality, making it a true conversation piece in any garden or market stand.

🌱 Planting Guide:

Soil Preparation:

• Prefers loose, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

• Ideal pH: 6.0–6.8.

• Work in compost or aged manure before planting.

Planting:

• Direct sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 70°F.

• Sow seeds ½–1 inch deep.

• Space seeds 18–24 inches apart in rows 5–6 feet apart, or plant in hills with 3–4 seeds per hill, thinned to the strongest two.

Sunlight:

• Requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit development.

• Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases. Reduce watering as fruit ripens for sweeter flavor.

Support & Growth:

• Vines can spread 8–10 feet, so give them room or train on a sturdy trellis for straighter fruits.

Fertilization:

• Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer once vines begin running.

• Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over fruit.

Pollination:

• Banana melons rely on bees for pollination. Encourage pollinators by planting flowers nearby.

Harvesting:

• Fruits are ready about 90 days from sowing.

• Harvest when the rind turns golden-yellow and emits a sweet, fruity aroma.

• Melons should slip easily from the vine with a gentle twist.

Storage:

• Best eaten fresh but can store for about a week in a cool location.