{"product_id":"minnesota-midget-melon","title":"Minnesota Midget Melon","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1056\" data-start=\"461\"\u003eMinnesota Midget is a delightful compact muskmelon variety bred specifically for short growing seasons and cooler climates. The vines stay manageable in size, making them a great option for container gardens or smaller plots. Each plant yields 6–8 small round melons with sweet, juicy, deep orange flesh and a delicious old-fashioned melon flavour. The slightly rough, netted skin and segmented ribs give the fruit a traditional muskmelon appearance. Fruits ripen well off the vine when harvested with stems attached, making it a great choice for extended use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1265\" data-start=\"1058\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1104\" data-start=\"1058\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Minnesota Midget Melon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1107\" data-start=\"1104\"\u003eWell-suited for Zones 4–9, this variety prefers full sun, heat, and fertile, well-drained soil. Excellent in raised beds, greenhouses, and sunny garden plots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1631\" data-start=\"1267\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1298\" data-start=\"1267\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1301\" data-start=\"1298\"\u003eDeveloped in the mid-20th century by the University of Minnesota, this variety was bred for northern gardeners seeking a sweet, fast-maturing muskmelon that could thrive in shorter, cooler seasons. Its consistent yield and small fruit size made it a favourite for home gardens and local markets across Canada and the northern U.S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1662\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1665\" data-start=\"1662\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1679\" data-start=\"1665\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in late spring or start indoors and transplant after frost.\u003cbr data-end=\"1753\" data-start=\"1750\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1767\" data-start=\"1753\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost and transplant after hardening off.\u003cbr data-end=\"1848\" data-start=\"1845\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1860\" data-start=\"1848\"\u003eZones 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors early and grow in a protected area like a greenhouse or warm microclimate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1633\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2427\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2001\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Minnesota Midget Melon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2427\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2017\" data-start=\"2004\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2cm (3\/4in) deep, spacing 30–45cm (12–18in) apart in hills or rows.\u003cbr data-end=\"2098\" data-start=\"2095\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2111\" data-start=\"2098\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil evenly moist, especially during fruit development.\u003cbr data-end=\"2175\" data-start=\"2172\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2190\" data-start=\"2175\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick when fruit easily slips from the vine or as it begins to turn fragrant; leave stems attached for best ripening off the vine.\u003cbr data-end=\"2323\" data-start=\"2320\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2339\" data-start=\"2323\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; ensure good airflow to prevent mildew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2812\" data-start=\"2429\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2467\" data-start=\"2429\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2812\" data-start=\"2429\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2492\" data-start=\"2470\"\u003eSelect Best Fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose fully mature melons with excellent flavour and size.\u003cbr data-end=\"2555\" data-start=\"2552\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2573\" data-start=\"2555\"\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scoop seeds and pulp, rinse and ferment for a few days in water.\u003cbr data-end=\"2641\" data-start=\"2638\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2659\" data-start=\"2641\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse seeds well, spread on a screen or towel, and dry completely before storing.\u003cbr data-end=\"2744\" data-start=\"2741\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2754\" data-start=\"2744\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep cool and dry. Seeds can remain viable for 5–6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2893\" data-start=\"2814\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2838\" data-start=\"2814\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2841\" data-start=\"2838\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2893\" data-start=\"2841\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811179802866,"sku":"MF-MELON-002","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Minnesota_Midget_Melon.jpg?v=1772481864","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/fr\/products\/minnesota-midget-melon","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}