Minnesota Midget Melon: An Introduction and How It Tastes

The Minnesota Midget melon is a compact cantaloupe that typically grows on vines 91-121 cm (3-4') long, producing 6-8 ultra-sweet, softball-sized melons. You can even grow “Minnesota Midget” in a larger container on a patio, because the vines can be trained and are easily managed to the point of performing well. A delicious treat for one or two people.

The Minnesota Midget melon is very sweet and juicy! A single vine can usually produce 8 melons. I live in Zone 5, Zone 4, and even in midsummer there are extreme nighttime and daytime temperature swings. Our nights often drop to 50F, while the days climb into the 90s. I am delighted that these melons produce so well under these conditions and with a short growing season! I watch carefully for part of the melon to turn a yellow-orange color, which tells me when they are ripe. If I don't check every day, they can ripen very quickly.

This is a wonderful cantaloupe variety. The melons have excellent flavor and are slightly larger than a softball. The rind is soft and easy to peel.