Melon - Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe

Name: Melon - Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: AML13
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Classic heirloom cantaloupe with deeply ribbed skin and rich, orange flesh bursting with sweetness.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: AML13

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Introducing the Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe, a cherished heirloom variety known for its exceptional sweetness and rich aroma. This melon boasts a distinctive ribbed, netted rind that encases its vibrant orange flesh. Typically reaching maturity in about 80-90 days, this cantaloupe is a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a rewarding harvest.

With a compact growth habit, the Hearts of Gold thrives in a sunny spot, producing fruits that weigh approximately 2-3 pounds each. The melons develop a deep, golden hue as they ripen, signaling their readiness to be picked and savored. Their juicy, flavorful flesh makes them a delightful addition to fruit salads, smoothies, or simply enjoyed on their own.

Renowned for its delectable taste, the Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe is a staple for those who appreciate a touch of sweetness in their garden. Its robust yield and resilience make it a favorite among both novice and experienced growers. Cultivate this classic variety and indulge in the timeless pleasure of homegrown melons.

$2⁰⁰ USD

Secure checkout Details

Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Cucumis melo var. reticulatus

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 — 'Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe' (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus)Insects & MitesCucumber Beetles (leaf damage, bacterial wilt transmission)Controls: Use floating row covers to protect young plants. Apply kaolin clay as a deterrent. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops annually to disrupt life cycles.Spider Mites (stippling on leaves, webbing)Controls: Increase humidity around plants to deter mites. Apply miticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap at 5–7 day intervals. Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) to control populations.DiseasesPowdery Mildew (white powdery spots on leaves)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Apply sulfur-based fungicides at the first sign of disease. Use resistant varieties and rotate crops to prevent recurrence.Anthracnose (dark, sunken lesions on fruit and leaves)Controls: Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure. Maintain proper plant spacing and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (dark, sunken spots on fruit)Causes: Calcium deficiency often exacerbated by inconsistent watering.Prevention: Maintain consistent soil moisture and apply calcium-rich fertilizers. Mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce fluctuations.Sunscald (bleached, sunken areas on fruit)Prevention: Provide shade during peak sun hours, especially in hot climates. Ensure adequate leaf cover to protect developing fruit.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of insect damage or disease.- Maintain proper spacing and air circulation to reduce disease risk.- Use mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.- Rotate crops annually to prevent pest and disease buildup.- Apply preventive treatments (e.g., fungicides, insecticides) as needed.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants.

Free shipping on $25+ orders.

Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe, the cherished heirloom melon, traces its roots back to the fertile soils of the American Midwest, where it first emerged in the early 20th century. The name itself evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth: \"Hearts of Gold\" speaks to the melon’s rich, golden flesh and the affection it has garnered among growers and eaters alike. Some say the name reflects the fruit's sweet, honeyed flavor that lingers on the palate; others believe it symbolizes the deep connection between the land and those who cultivate it.For generations, Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe has been a staple of summer markets and family gardens, prized not only for its sweetness but for its resilience and adaptability. Farmers in the Midwest would plant it in the spring, anticipating its arrival as a highlight of the harvest season. Its juicy, aromatic flesh was a refreshing treat during the sweltering summer months, often enjoyed fresh or in fruit salads. Beyond its culinary appeal, the cantaloupe was valued for its nutritional benefits, providing a rich source of vitamins A and C, and serving as a hydrating snack in the heat.Though it thrived quietly in American gardens for decades, the wider world came to appreciate Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe as a symbol of agricultural innovation and heritage. Its introduction in the 1890s by horticulturist Roland Morrill marked a turning point in melon cultivation, as it combined desirable traits of flavor, texture, and disease resistance. This cultivar quickly became a favorite among growers, leading to its widespread adoption across the United States.Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe also holds a special place in botanical history. It represents a successful hybridization effort, blending the best characteristics of earlier cantaloupe varieties to create a melon that was both delicious and robust. This heritage melon stands as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of early American horticulturists, whose work laid the foundation for modern melon breeding.Although newer cantaloupe varieties have since emerged, offering extended shelf life and transportability, Hearts of Gold remains a beloved classic: the melon that first captured the hearts of American gardeners and continues to be celebrated for its unparalleled flavor. It is a cultivar that has inspired countless summer memories, from picnics and barbecues to roadside fruit stands.Yet in its homeland, Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe is more than just a fruit. It is a cultural treasure, intertwined with the agricultural history of the Midwest, a living symbol of the region's farming heritage and community spirit. To grow Hearts of Gold today is to participate in a story that spans generations, honoring both the pioneering farmers who first cultivated its sweetness and the modern gardeners who continue to cherish its legacy.

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!

Payment & Security

Payment methods

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.