Complete Gardening
Growing your own melons can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, choosing fast-growing melon varieties can ensure a fruitful harvest. This article explores seven of the quickest-growing melons that are perfect for your home garden.
1. Sugar Baby Watermelon
The Sugar Baby Watermelon is a favorite among home gardeners for its rapid growth and sweet taste. Growing to about the size of a basketball, this variety matures quickly, making it a reliable choice for those eager to enjoy homegrown fruit.
With its deep red flesh and thin rind, it is perfect for a summertime treat. Not only does it offer a refreshing taste, but its compact size also makes it ideal for smaller gardens. Did you know? This melon can be ready to harvest just 75 days after planting.
2. Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe
The Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe brings a burst of sweetness to your garden. Known for its small size and quick maturation, it is perfect for those with limited space. This cantaloupe variety is not only delightful in taste but also in its convenience to grow.
Harvested in as little as 65-75 days, its vines are compact and manageable. Its sweet aroma and flavor make it a favorite for fresh summer salads. Fun fact: This melon was developed by the University of Minnesota to suit northern climates.
3. Honey Rock Melon
Honey Rock Melon is cherished for its delectable flavor and rapid growth. Often called the ‘rocky’ cantaloupe due to its durable rind, it stands out with its juicy, sweet orange flesh. This variety reaches maturity quickly, offering a delightful harvest for gardeners.
Its vigorous growth habit and disease resistance make it an excellent choice. Ready to pick in approximately 80 days, Honey Rock Melon is a symbol of garden abundance. Intriguingly, it won the All-American Selections award in 1933.
4. Golden Jenny Melon
Golden Jenny Melon catches the eye with its vibrant skin and captivating aroma. This heirloom variety matures rapidly, making it a favorite for those looking to enjoy melons sooner rather than later. Its sweet, juicy interior is a delight.
Known for its unique flavor, this melon is a garden treasure. Reaching maturity in just 70 days, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking quick results. Did you know? Its compact growth is perfect for container gardening.
5. Fastbreak Melon
The Fastbreak Melon is aptly named for its swift growth, living up to gardeners’ high expectations. Its smooth orange skin encloses a sweet, juicy flesh that is sure to please.
Maturing in as little as 65 days, it’s one of the fastest-growing melons available. Perfect for those in a hurry to enjoy freshly grown produce. Notably, its compact vines are easy to manage, making it suitable for various garden sizes.
6. Blacktail Mountain Watermelon
Blacktail Mountain Watermelon is a testament to rapid growth and resilience. Originating in Idaho, it thrives in cooler climates, making it unique among melons. Its dark green rind hides a surprisingly sweet, bright red interior.
This variety is ready to harvest in just 70-75 days, making it a favorite for those short on the waiting game. Interestingly, it was developed by a young boy in the 1970s who wanted a watermelon that could withstand Idaho’s climate.
7. Charentais Melon
The Charentais Melon is celebrated for its exquisite taste and fragrance. Hailing from France, this variety brings a touch of elegance to the garden. Its smooth, aromatic orange flesh is a gourmet delight.
Maturing in about 75-90 days, it’s a bit longer than others but worth the wait. Its rich flavor and compact growth make it a prized addition to any garden. Fun fact: This melon is often associated with luxury and is commonly found in upscale markets.