Schoon's Hardshell Melon

Cucumis melo

Price: $2.95

SKU: 3250151

90 days — The fruit of 'Schoon's Hardshell', as its name implies, have a very hard shell, are almost round, and can weigh up to eight pounds each. The flesh is apricot-colored, sweet, and very tasty. Unlike other varieties, they maintain their taste and texture for days after being harvested. This trait, combined with their hard rind, make them a good choice as a fresh market or shipping melon.

Said to possess better eating qualities than 'Bender's Surprise', it is reportedly a cross between 'Bender's Surprise' and 'Honey Rock'. Introduced by F. H. Woodruff & Sons of Milford, Connecticut in the early 1940s. Each packet contains one gram, which is about 28 seeds.
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.

Customer Reviews:

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★★★★☆ Schoon's hard shell melon
By S.B. (Montana) on December 6, 2023

As noted by name, the rind is very tough, mostly keeps bugs from boring in. Holds very well on vine, or even after picked. Juicy, did very well for me. Must start indoors up here, but we do have a lot of summer heat to ripen. Would recommend.