The Crenshaw Melon (Cucumis melo) is a classic Muskmelon hybrid, prized for its exceptional sweetness and tropical fragrance. Combining the best traits of the Casaba and Persian melons, Crenshaw produces large, teardrop-shaped fruits with a golden-yellow rind and rich, salmon-orange flesh.
This warm-season annual vine thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, yielding fragrant, juicy melons that ripen in mid to late summer. Perfect for eating fresh, blending into smoothies, or serving as a refreshing dessert fruit.
🌿 Features
- 🍈 Large, Sweet Fruit: Rich orange flesh with honeyed flavor.
- 🌞 Heat-Loving Variety: Thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
- 🌾 Excellent Storage: Keeps longer than most melons when cured.
- 🌼 Productive Vine: High-yielding and vigorous growth.
- 🌱 Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated: Perfect for organic gardeners.
📋 Specifications
- Common Name: Crenshaw Melon, Muskmelon, Winter Melon
- Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
- Plant Type: Annual fruiting vine
- USDA Zones: 4–11 (warm-season annual)
- Mature Height: 12–18 inches (vine spreads 6–10 ft)
- Fruit Size: 5–9 lbs (2–4 kg)
- Flesh Color: Deep orange
- Rind Color: Yellow to golden with greenish tinge
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
- Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture during fruit set
- Germination Temperature: 75–90°F (24–32°C)
- Germination Time: 7–14 days
- Days to Maturity: 90–110 days
- Pollination: Insect-pollinated
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
🌱 Planting Guide
- Start Indoors (Optional): Begin seeds 3–4 weeks before the last frost date.
- Direct Sowing: Plant after soil warms to at least 70°F (21°C).
- Sowing Depth: ½ inch deep.
- Spacing: 2–3 seeds per hill; thin to strongest seedling (2–3 ft apart).
- Watering: Keep evenly moist; avoid wetting leaves to prevent mildew.
- Fertilization: Use balanced fertilizer (5-5-5) or compost at planting.
- Harvest: When skin turns yellow-gold and fruit emits a fragrant aroma.
🌿 Care Tips
- Mulch: Helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.
- Pollination: Encourage bees and other pollinators for better fruit set.
- Support: Use trellises for vertical growing to save garden space.
- Pest Watch: Monitor for aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew.
- Storage: Cure fruits in a warm, dry spot for 5–7 days to extend shelf life.