Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
Original price was: $4.00.$2.00Current price is: $2.00.
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.
Out of stock
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
High nitrogen at establishment; lower nitrogen, higher potassium at flowering and fruiting
Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks
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
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
Primary planting window; vine establishment before heat peaks is critical
Fruit development and harvest; consistent irrigation essential
Expect harvest approximately 85 days from transplant
Not recommended for fall planting in Austin
Mid-March through late April after last frost
Ideal soil temperatures: 70-85 F
Full sun
Minimum 8 hours daily
3-4 feet apart in rows 5-6 feet apart
Well-draining, fertile, sandy loam preferred
Amend clay soils with compost and coarse sand
pH 6.0-6.8
Water deeply at transplanting
Maintain consistent moisture through vine establishment and fruit set
Cantaloupe flesh is generally considered non-toxic to:
However:
High sugar content; offer only in small quantities.
Rinds may cause gastrointestinal upset.
