Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

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Cantaloupe, Hearts of Gold

— · Texas-Grown

Cantaloupe, Hearts of Gold

$4.00

Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe is a beloved heirloom variety dating to 1890, producing medium-sized, heavily netted fruits with distinctively sweet, deep-orange flesh and a rich, complex flavor prized by home gardeners and chefs alike. Maturing in approximately 85 days, it performs well in Central Texas’s long, hot growing season.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Hearts of Gold transplants are grown for strong vine development and exceptional flavor production suited to Austin’s summer conditions.

Care Instructions
Watering
Consistent moisture essential through vine development and fruit sizing Reduce watering 1-2 weeks before harvest to improve sweetness Drip or soaker hose irrigation preferred; avoid wetting foliage
Fertilizing
High nitrogen at establishment; lower nitrogen, higher potassium at flowering and fruiting Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks
Pruning & Maintenance
Limit to 2-3 fruits per vine for best size and quality Place fruits on straw or cardboard to prevent ground rot Train vines to keep plantings manageable
Common Issues
Powdery mildew Cucumber beetles Squash vine borers Fusarium wilt Blossom end rot
Plant early (mid-March) to maximize growing season before extreme summer heat Use drip irrigation to reduce foliar disease Monitor for cucumber beetles; use row covers until flowering if pressure is high Harvest when stem slips from vine with light pressure and fragrance is pronounced
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Primary planting window; vine establishment before heat peaks is critical
Summer
Fruit development and harvest; consistent irrigation essential Expect harvest approximately 85 days from transplant
Fall
Not recommended for fall planting in Austin
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Mid-March through late April after last frost Ideal soil temperatures: 70-85 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 8 hours daily
Spacing
3-4 feet apart in rows 5-6 feet apart
Soil
Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam preferred Amend clay soils with compost and coarse sand pH 6.0-6.8
Watering After Planting
Water deeply at transplanting Maintain consistent moisture through vine establishment and fruit set
Nasturtiums Marigolds Corn Sunflowers Radish Borage Dill Oregano
Cantaloupe flesh is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats However: High sugar content; offer only in small quantities. Rinds may cause gastrointestinal upset.

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