Hale's Best Cantaloupe is a time-tested heirloom prized for dependable production, heavily netted rind, small seed cavity, and richly sweet orange flesh. The medium-sized melons typically weigh about 4 to 5 pounds and measure approximately 5.5 by 7 inches. Hale's Best develops an aromatic flavor and juicy texture when allowed to ripen fully on the vine, making it a rewarding choice for fresh summer eating. The vigorous vines can provide a generous harvest when grown in warm soil with full sun, steady moisture, and plenty of room to spread.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 11/25. WILL.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%.

Why Choose Hale's Best Cantaloupe?

• Sweet Orange Flesh: Produces richly flavored, aromatic flesh for fresh summer eating.
• Medium-Sized Melons: Fruits typically weigh about 4 to 5 pounds and have a heavily netted, lightly ribbed rind.
• Small Seed Cavity: More edible flesh in each melon makes this variety especially satisfying to harvest.
• Heirloom Quality: A proven open-pollinated variety valued by home and market gardeners.
• Vigorous Vines: Plants can provide a productive harvest when given warmth, space, and consistent care.
• Reliable Maturity: Expect harvest in approximately 79 days under favorable growing conditions.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Plant in full sun with at least 8 hours of direct light each day.
• Timing: Direct sow after frost danger has passed when soil temperatures are consistently around 70°F or warmer, or start seeds indoors about 3 to 4 weeks early.
• Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Mix finished compost into the planting area before sowing.
• Spacing: Give vines plenty of room, spacing hills or plants about 4 to 6 feet apart. Use a trellis only if it can safely support developing melons.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during vine growth and fruit development. Reduce watering as melons approach ripeness to concentrate flavor while preventing stress.
• Feeding: Apply compost before planting and use a balanced fertilizer early. Shift toward a fruiting fertilizer once vines begin flowering.
• Pollination: Encourage bees and other pollinators by growing flowering plants nearby and avoiding sprays during bloom.
• Harvesting: Watch for strong aroma, a change in background color, and the fruit beginning to slip from the stem. Harvest carefully and allow the melon to finish softening indoors if needed.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Proudly supplying quality seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: Learn more about our Safe Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: We meet applicable requirements for selling vegetable seed.
• Great Customer Service: Our team is here to help you grow with confidence.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Slices: Serve chilled on its own or with a sprinkle of salt, lime, mint, or basil.
• Fruit Salads: Combine with berries, peaches, citrus, and grapes for a colorful summer salad.
• Prosciutto and Melon: Wrap ripe slices with prosciutto for a simple sweet-and-savory appetizer.
• Salsa: Dice with cucumber, jalapeño, lime, onion, and herbs for a fresh fruit salsa.
• Chilled Soup: Blend with yogurt, lime, mint, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing cold soup.
• Smoothies: Blend ripe melon with yogurt, citrus, berries, or cucumber for a naturally sweet drink.

Order Hale's Best Cantaloupe Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow sweet, aromatic Hale's Best cantaloupes for fresh summer eating and garden-fresh recipes.

Nutritional Information

Applies to harvested cantaloupe, not planting seeds. Approximate values per 1 cup (156 g) of diced raw cantaloupe: 53 calories, 12.7g carbohydrates, 1.3g protein, 0.3g fat, and 1.4g fiber. Cantaloupe is also an excellent source of vitamin C and provides vitamin A and potassium. Percent Daily Value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Fruit size, sweetness, yield, and days to maturity vary with climate, soil, pollination, watering, care, and harvest timing. The listed maturity period is an estimate under favorable conditions.
• Seed Storage: Store unused seeds in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Seal opened packets for best viability.
• Planting Zones: Cantaloupe is a warm-season annual. Plant after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed, following local frost dates and growing-season conditions.

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