Cantaloupes: Cultivating sweet success in Washington state

 Kim Vaughn
Communications

Melons (C. melo) originated in Iran and India around 3000 B.C. and are one of the oldest crops to be domesticated. While not as prominent as some of Washington state's other crops, like apples and cherries, cantaloupe has found its own special place in the heart of the agricultural landscape. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of cantaloupes in Washington, exploring its cultivation, favorite varieties, and its growing popularity in a state dominated by other fruits.

Growing cantaloupes in Washington state

Cantaloupe is a warm-season fruit that typically requires a longer, hotter growing season than the Pacific Northwest provides. However, in the eastern part of Washington, which experiences warmer and drier summers, cantaloupe cultivation has become a niche industry. Regions like the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin have ideal microclimates for growing cantaloupes. Growing cantaloupes in the northwest’s coldest areas though, can be tough. Cooler temperatures and plant diseases like fungi and sudden wilt can cause growers to lose their crops before harvest.

Choose varieties that will mature in 90 days or less. Start seeds indoors in early May and grow multiple plants to ensure pollination. Keep seedlings moist and provide 16-18 hours of light a day. Harden off your seedlings in June before transplanting them into a warm soil bed when nighttime temperatures don’t fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant blooming flowers throughout your row to attract pollinators.

Once transplanted outdoors, use an all-purpose 10-20-20 fertilizer and cover the bed with clear plastic to keep the soil warm. Water 1-2 inches per week. Harvest when the skin has a raised netting look before it starts to turn yellow. Allow the fruit to ripen off the vine for about two days before eating.

Favorite Washington varieties

Washington farmers have embraced a selection of cantaloupe varieties well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions. These suggested varieties mature around 75-80 days.

• Ha’Ogen and Model melons
  Very sweet, with green flesh and a honeydew flavor.
  
• Charentais
  A small French cantaloupe with unrivaled flavor.
  
• Honey Rock and Hale’s Best
  Well-known American cantaloupe varieties that are easy to find seeds and seedlings.
  
• Ineya
  A small Russian melon, with white flesh and a mild honeydew flavor.
  
• Armenian and Metki
  These varieties look like large cucumbers with a mildly sweet flavor.

Nutritional information

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service

Incorporating cantaloupes into your diet can offer various health benefits. A single serving, equivalent to one cup of fresh cantaloupe cubes, provides 53 calories, 6% of your daily fiber intake, approximately 1 gram of protein, and is free from both fat and cholesterol.

Moreover, cantaloupes are a low-carbohydrate fruit, containing 13 grams per one-cup serving. Opting for fruits low in carbohydrates enables you to consume larger portions while effectively managing your blood glucose levels.

Notably, cantaloupes are rich in essential nutrients, offering:

• 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant safeguarding your cells from damage.
  
• The entirety of your daily vitamin A requirements, contributing to the health of your eyes, skin, bones, and immune system.

In Washington State, cantaloupes may not take center stage like apples or cherries, but it has quietly carved out a delicious niche in the state's agricultural mosaic. With its unique sweetness, cantaloupes offer a refreshing alternative to the more famous fruits of the region. Whether enjoyed fresh in the warm Washington sun or incorporated into a delightful summer dish, Washington cantaloupes represent a sweet and healthy surprise amidst the apple and cherry orchards, reminding us that diversity in agriculture is a delicious and valuable asset.