Melon Seeds - Banana

Name: Melon Seeds - Banana
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: AML12
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Unusual banana-shaped melon with creamy, fragrant flesh and tropical sweetness for a unique garden treat.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: AML12

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the unique allure of the Banana Melon, a captivating cultivar that delights with its elongated, banana-like shape. This melon matures in approximately 90 days, reaching a manageable size that fits comfortably in your hand. As it ripens, the skin transitions from a subtle green to a vibrant yellow, hinting at the sweet, aromatic flesh within. Its smooth texture and mild, honeyed flavor make it a refreshing addition to summer fruit salads and a delightful snack on its own.

Growing the Banana Melon is a rewarding endeavor. The vines are vigorous yet manageable, spreading up to 10 feet, making them suitable for both garden plots and spacious containers. With proper care, they yield an abundant harvest of melons, each weighing around 2 to 3 pounds. These melons thrive in warm, sunny conditions, preferring well-drained soil to produce their best fruits.

In the kitchen, Banana Melons offer versatility. Their sweet, juicy flesh pairs beautifully with savory ingredients in salads or can be pureed for refreshing beverages. They also shine when served chilled as a light dessert. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, the Banana Melon promises a delightful addition to both your garden and your table.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Cucumis melo var. inodorus

Maturity

80-89 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Vertical

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Banana Melon' (Cucumis melo)Insects & MitesCucumber Beetles (yellowing leaves, stunted growth)Controls: Use floating row covers until flowering to exclude beetles. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in soil. Rotate crops to disrupt life cycles.Aphids (distorted leaves, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge colonies. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Encourage natural predators by planting companion plants like dill and fennel.Spider Mites (stippling, webbing on leaves)Controls: Increase humidity around plants to deter mites. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) for biological control.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (white powdery spots on leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicides. Remove and destroy infected plant parts.Downy Mildew (yellow patches on leaves, grayish mold)Controls: Use resistant varieties when available. Apply copper-based fungicides preventatively. Ensure proper spacing for air circulation and avoid wetting foliage.Fusarium Wilt (wilting, yellowing leaves)Controls: Rotate crops with non-host plants. Solarize soil to reduce pathogen levels. Use resistant varieties and ensure well-drained soil.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (dark, sunken spots on fruit)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and mulch to retain moisture. Test soil and amend with calcium if deficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.Sunscald (bleached, sunken areas on fruit)Controls: Ensure adequate leaf cover to protect fruit. Use shade cloth during peak sun exposure. Avoid pruning that excessively exposes fruit.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases.- Maintain proper spacing for air circulation.- Use crop rotation and companion planting to deter pests.- Apply organic or chemical controls as needed, following label instructions.- Ensure consistent watering and soil fertility for healthy plant growth.

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The Banana Melon, an intriguing cultivar of the Cucumis melo species, originates from the fertile plains of the United States, where it was first cultivated in the late 19th century. Its name is a testament to its unique appearance and flavor: the elongated shape resembles that of a banana, while the creamy, fragrant flesh offers a hint of banana-like sweetness. Some say the melon’s moniker also evokes its vibrant yellow rind, reminiscent of the tropical fruit.For generations, the Banana Melon has been cherished in American gardens and kitchens, prized not only for its delightful taste but also for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Home cooks would slice it fresh for fruit salads, blend it into smoothies, or even pickle it for a tangy treat. In rural communities, the melon was a staple at summer picnics and fairs, celebrated for its refreshing qualities during the sweltering heat of July and August. Its seeds, rich in oils, were sometimes roasted and consumed as snacks, while the melon itself was believed to aid digestion and hydrate the body.Though it thrived quietly in American gardens for decades, the Banana Melon gained renewed interest in the late 20th century as heirloom varieties experienced a resurgence among gardeners and food enthusiasts. Its distinct flavor and historical roots made it a favorite among those seeking to preserve agricultural biodiversity and heritage. This revival was part of a broader movement to rediscover and cultivate traditional plant varieties, ensuring their survival for future generations.Botanically, the Banana Melon is a member of the muskmelon group, closely related to cantaloupes and honeydews. Its genetic lineage reveals a rich tapestry of cultivation and selection, with characteristics that have been carefully preserved by dedicated seed savers. This heritage explains its unique combination of flavor, aroma, and texture—traits that distinguish it from more commercially dominant melon varieties.Although modern hybrids and commercial melons often overshadow it in supermarkets, the Banana Melon remains a beloved heirloom: the fruit that continues to inspire gardeners and chefs alike with its nostalgic charm and culinary potential. It is the melon that has found its way into farmers' markets and artisanal menus, celebrated for its contribution to the diversity of flavors available to us today.Yet in its homeland, the Banana Melon is more than just a relic of the past. It is a symbol of agricultural tradition and innovation, a living testament to the farmers and gardeners who have nurtured its growth through the years. To cultivate the Banana Melon today is to partake in a legacy that spans local gardens and global appreciation, honoring both the historical stewards who first recognized its value and the contemporary enthusiasts who continue to share its story.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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