Athena F1 Melon
Cucumis melo
Price: $6.95
SKU: 32500321Choose a variant:
Athena is the standard-setting cantaloupe in the United States and the most widely planted variety in the eastern half of the country. It is a hybrid muskmelon grown at every scale, from backyard rows to large commercial fields, and it is a common sight at roadside stands and farm markets.
Athena produces large oval melons that average about 8-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches and weigh 5 to 7 pounds. The rind is heavily netted with light ribs and no strong sutures. Inside, the seed cavity is small and the flesh is thick, dark orange, and very sweet. Ripe fruit is highly aromatic, which makes it a good pick for fresh eating, fruit salads, and desserts.
The tough rind is what built Athena's reputation. Ripe melons seldom crack, the fruit stays firm even when picked at full slip, and shelf life is long compared to most cantaloupes. Growers who need to ship or hold fruit for a few days choose Athena because it keeps that firmness without giving up flavor.
High resistance to Fusarium wilt races 0, 1, and 2, and high resistance to powdery mildew races 1 and 2. Healthy vines keep setting fruit through the season instead of fading early. Vines are vigorous and sprawling, and yields come on early. Athena is widely adapted across a broad range of growing zones. In warmer climates you can plant a spring crop and a second crop in the fall. Pick at full slip, the point where a gentle tug separates the melon from the vine.
Athena produces large oval melons that average about 8-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches and weigh 5 to 7 pounds. The rind is heavily netted with light ribs and no strong sutures. Inside, the seed cavity is small and the flesh is thick, dark orange, and very sweet. Ripe fruit is highly aromatic, which makes it a good pick for fresh eating, fruit salads, and desserts.
The tough rind is what built Athena's reputation. Ripe melons seldom crack, the fruit stays firm even when picked at full slip, and shelf life is long compared to most cantaloupes. Growers who need to ship or hold fruit for a few days choose Athena because it keeps that firmness without giving up flavor.
High resistance to Fusarium wilt races 0, 1, and 2, and high resistance to powdery mildew races 1 and 2. Healthy vines keep setting fruit through the season instead of fading early. Vines are vigorous and sprawling, and yields come on early. Athena is widely adapted across a broad range of growing zones. In warmer climates you can plant a spring crop and a second crop in the fall. Pick at full slip, the point where a gentle tug separates the melon from the vine.
Spacing Requirements: 20
Days to Maturity: 80
Growth Habit: Vining
Lifespan: Annual
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Best sowing Method: Direct Sow (in-situ)
Disease Resistances: Fusarium Wilt
Disease Resistances: Powdery Mildew
Genetic Classification: Hybrid
Days to Maturity: 80
Growth Habit: Vining
Lifespan: Annual
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Best sowing Method: Direct Sow (in-situ)
Disease Resistances: Fusarium Wilt
Disease Resistances: Powdery Mildew
Genetic Classification: Hybrid
Planting Instructions:
The seeds can be directly sown in spring after the soil has warmed or started indoors three to four weeks before your last expected frost.
Indoors, plant two to three seeds per pot, ½ inch deep, thinning to best plant. Do not disturb roots.
Outdoors, plant six to eight seeds, ½ inch deep, in hills spaced four feet apart. Transplant or thin to three plants per hill.
Young plants are cold sensitive and some cover protection at nights may be required. Mulch or cultivate to control weeds.
Indoors, plant two to three seeds per pot, ½ inch deep, thinning to best plant. Do not disturb roots.
Outdoors, plant six to eight seeds, ½ inch deep, in hills spaced four feet apart. Transplant or thin to three plants per hill.
Young plants are cold sensitive and some cover protection at nights may be required. Mulch or cultivate to control weeds.
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