CANTALOUPE Seeds, Hearts of Gold

Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo 'Hearts of Gold') is a classic heirloom, open-pollinated muskmelon with heavily netted rind and sweet, aromatic orange flesh. A proven home-garden favorite since the early 1900s.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Cucumis melo 'Hearts of Gold'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated muskmelon
• Fruit weight: 5 to 9 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 vines space to run. Keep moisture steady while fruit sizes up, then reduce watering as melons ripen. Harvest when the netted rind turns golden and the fruit slips easily from the vine.

Flavor profile

Sweet, juicy, and aromatic with the classic muskmelon perfume and tender, deep-orange flesh.

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.

Sold by 99Heirlooms.com, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota.