What hardiness zones is Cucumis melo 'Honeydew' suitable for?

Cucumis melo 'Honeydew' (Inodorus Group) is an annual vine reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) and a trailing, vining habit with tendrils. A melon type grown commercially worldwide, it produces round to oval fruits 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) in diameter weighing 5-8 pounds (2.3-3.6 kg) with a smooth, waxy, creamy white to pale yellow rind (no netting) and pale green, sweet, juicy flesh with a honey-like flavor. Seeds concentrated in a central cavity. Days to maturity 90-110 from transplant—among the longest-season melons. Growth rate is moderate. Requires a long, hot growing season—needs more heat units than cantaloupe. Does not slip from vine when ripe—harvest when blossom end yields slightly to pressure and rind turns creamy yellow.

Native Range

Cucumis melo (Inodorus Group—honeydew type) originated in western Africa and was developed in France and Algeria. Introduced to the Americas in the colonial period.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens in warm climates for culinary use—fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies. Smooth waxy rind. Pale green honey-sweet flesh. Stores 2-3 weeks refrigerated—longer than cantaloupe. 90-110 days—requires long hot season. Not suitable for short-season or cool-summer climates without season extension (black plastic, row covers).

How to Identify

Distinguished from cantaloupe ('Hales Best') by the smooth, waxy, unnetted (versus heavily netted) rind, the pale green (versus salmon-orange) flesh, the lack of musky aroma (Inodorus=without odor), and the longer maturity (90-110 versus 75-85 days). Distinguished from watermelon by the smaller size, smooth rind, and honey-sweet (versus clean/watery) flavor. Honeydew—smooth waxy rind, pale green flesh, honey-sweet, longest season, does not slip from vine.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread4' - 8'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small yellow flowers—male first, then female. Bee pollination essential. Continuous flowering midsummer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow; small; male and female separate; bee-pollinated

Foliage Description

Medium green; rounded lobed; on trailing vines with tendrils

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

90-110 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Full sun, well-drained, sandy loam (pH 6.0-7.0). Hills or mounds. Heavy feeder. Requires long hot season—90-110 days from transplant. More heat demanding than cantaloupe. Reduce watering as fruit ripens. Does not slip from vine—harvest when blossom end softens slightly and rind turns creamy yellow. Black plastic mulch helps in cooler regions.