I've bought a couple of Honey Somethingorother cantalope at Sams' recently, and they are delicious. The outer half of the melon is really crisp. Anyway, I thought I'd save the seeds, and give them a try next spring. Those of you who have experience with this, please advise me. So far, I have washed the seeds and have them on a paper towel in a window. Will this work? How long should they dry? How do I store them--open or air tight. Will it even work to plant seed of a specialty melon? Or would they be sterile?
cantalope seeds
Most of the time seeds from store hybrids won't grow true. You might do better to check a major seed company like Burpee's and see if you can locate them. On the other hand, it doesn't hurt to give them a try. Here is a recommendation for saving and storing.
Scoop out the seeds from a ripe melon and put them into a wire mesh sieve, then with running water over the seeds rub them gently against the mesh, using it to loosen and remove the stringy fibers. Next place the cleaned seeds in a bowl of water, stir it a few times. Some seeds will float to the top....these are immature or sterile melon seeds, they are hollow and/or light-weight and will float to the top of the water. Skim away these bad seeds and discard them. Stir a few more times and repeat the process until no more sterile seeds float to the the top. Drain the water from the remaining seeds.
Afterwards, line a heavy plate or baking pan with waxed paper, spread the seeds out in a single layer onto the waxed paper and place it in sunny spot to air-dry.
Stir the seeds occasionally during the next few hours to make sure all sides are exposed to fresh air, this facilitates even drying. After a day in the sun bring the seeds into the house where they continue to dry for another week or two, stir them daily so they dry evenly. If you've got rainy weather the increased humidity can prolong the drying process another week or so.
Melons have thick seeds so be sure they are thoroughly dry before packing them for storage. I like to store my seeds in paper packets.
If your melon happened to be Honey Rock, you could have seeds that would produce the same type melon next year. It's an heirloom variety with excellent flavor: http://www.rareseeds.com/honey-rock-melon/
We grow Honey Rock melons and they are tasty!!
Thanks all. Next time I shop at Sams', I'll be sure to write down the name of my new favorite melon.
Joy, I did exactly as you suggested until the part about letting the immature seeds float to the top. Didn't know to do that. Is it too late not? The first batch of seeds have been drying about 5 days. The second batch, I just got yesterday.
Just checked out the Honey Rock melon. That's not it. It's more oblong and not that deeply colored.
Look through the melons at rareseeds.com and see if you can find the one you have. Since it's a bit more elongated, they might have it.
I wouldn't worry about resoaking the seeds to find immature ones, just double up when you start them. I can usually tell an immature seed because it doesn't look "full". You can also do the wet paper towel start or over plant and thin if need be.
I stand by my opinion that Sam's is selling hybrids, like most groceries, and they might not grow true. That being said, I have never tried to grow a grocery store cantaloupe. I do know that they love compost and for years my mom grew them in her compost heap. Hmmm, maybe it will since hers were always volunteers. Go for it!
Was it 'honey kiss' melon? If so, yes I agree, they are amazing! I would grow them also if they're not a hybrid..
Yes, Still, it is the honey kiss. Just got more at Sams'. I've googled the name, and didn't come up with anything, except some store advertising them.
So, you're saying they won't reproduce? Darn!! I just love their crispiness.
Not saying they won't make plants, just don't know if they breed true since they are hybrids.