Sweet Orange Flesh
Produces juicy, golden-orange flesh with a sweet flavor and refreshing texture.
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Minnesota Cantaloupe, commonly known as Minnesota Midget, is an early-maturing heirloom muskmelon variety developed by the University of Minnesota in 1948. It produces small, round fruits with finely netted skin and sweet, golden-orange flesh. Its compact vines make it suitable for home gardens, raised beds, and container growing. This variety is especially valued for its productivity and suitability for shorter growing seasons.
Produces juicy, golden-orange flesh with a sweet flavor and refreshing texture.
Develops short vines approximately 3 feet long, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
Produces ripe melons in approximately 60–70 days under suitable growing conditions.
Produces approximately 4-inch round melons with finely netted skin and sweet flesh.
| Scientific Name | Cucumis melo |
| Common Name | Minnesota Cantaloupe; Minnesota Midget Melon |
| Plant Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Seed Type | Fruit Seeds |
| Variety Type | Heirloom, Open-Pollinated |
| Fruit Color | Golden-yellow to tan netted skin with orange flesh |
| Fruit Shape | Round |
| Fruit Size | Approximately 4 inches in diameter |
| Growth Habit | Compact, trailing vines |
| Plant Life Cycle | Frost-sensitive annual |
| Planting Season | Spring after the last frost |
| Days to Maturity | Approximately 60–70 days |
| Seed Starting | Direct sow or start indoors 2–4 weeks before transplanting |
| Germination Time | Approximately 5–10 days |
| Germination Temperature | 70–90°F |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter |
| Watering | Regular watering with consistent soil moisture |
| Mature Vine Length | Approximately 3–4 feet |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 24–36 inches |
Enjoy growing Minnesota Cantaloupe for its compact vines, early harvest, and delicious golden-orange flesh. This classic heirloom variety is an excellent choice for home gardens, raised beds, and containers. Provide warm soil, full sunlight, and regular watering for healthy growth and sweet summer melons.
Learn more about Minnesota Cantaloupe's short growing season, fruit ripeness, and container-growing potential.
Minnesota Midget cantaloupe typically matures in approximately 60–70 days under suitable growing conditions. Its early harvest makes it a popular choice for gardeners with shorter growing seasons. Warm soil, full sunlight, and consistent watering support healthy fruit development.
Yes. Minnesota Midget is particularly suitable for container gardening because its vines are relatively compact, usually reaching about 3–4 feet. Choose a spacious container with drainage holes, fertile soil, and plenty of sunlight. Water consistently while the fruits develop.
Look for a golden-yellow or tan background between the fruit's netting, a sweet fruity aroma, and a slight crack around the stem attachment. A ripe Minnesota Midget melon should separate easily from the vine when gently twisted. These signs indicate that the fruit has reached its natural ripeness.