CANTALOUPE Seeds, Crenshaw

Crenshaw Melon (Cucumis melo 'Crenshaw') is an heirloom, open-pollinated melon producing large fruits with pale green-gold skin and sweet, juicy salmon-orange flesh. Aromatic and rich, it is a standout for fresh summer eating.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Cucumis melo 'Crenshaw'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated melon
• Fruit weight: 4 to 6 pounds
• Sun: Full sun (6 to 8 hours)
• Soil: Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0 to 7.0

Best for

• Fresh slices and snacks
• Fruit salads
• Smoothies and chilled desserts
• Warm-season gardens

How to grow

Sow in late spring or early summer once soil is warm, in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Give the vines room to spread. Keep moisture consistent during fruit development, then ease off as melons ripen to concentrate sweetness. Harvest when the fruit is fragrant and slips from the vine.

Flavor profile

Sweet, juicy, and aromatic with a rich, almost spicy depth that sets Crenshaw apart from common melons.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.