Cucumis melo

Variety originated in Spain

Named for its long keeping quality, the Santa Claus Melon brings a unique culinary curiosity to the garden and home. This open-pollinated variety from Spain produces large, watermelon-like fruit that can easily reach 3 kg. The sweet-tasting, light green flesh is a delicious reward, and its thick skin ensures the fruit can be stored for weeks, offering a taste of summer well into the winter months.

What you need to know to Plant & Grow:

For the best results, start seeds indoors for a head start on the season.

Planting: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your planned transplant date using peat or paper pots. In long-growing-season areas, direct sow after the soil has warmed to at least 21°C. Sow 6 seeds 2.5 cm deep per hill. Once established, thin to 4 vines per hill, with hills spaced 1.5 m apart.

Care: Work in plenty of compost, as melons prefer organic, well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth but decrease the amount of water as the fruit ripens to prevent rind splitting. The fruit is ripe when the light yellow-striped green rind turns a deeper yellow and the fruit slips easily from the vine.

Approx. 100 seeds/pkt