How to Grow Imperial 45 Cantaloupe From Seed

How long does Imperial 45 cantaloupe take to mature?

Imperial 45 ripens in about 85 days from transplant, making it a dependable mid-season cantaloupe. Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow once the soil is warm, and you can expect sweet, netted melons by late summer.

How big are Imperial 45 melons and what do they taste like?

Imperial 45 produces classic round cantaloupes of about 4 to 5 pounds with heavy tan netting over a firm rind. Inside is deep orange, aromatic flesh with the sweet, musky, honeyed flavor gardeners expect from a top-quality netted melon.

How do I know when Imperial 45 is ripe?

Like other cantaloupes, Imperial 45 slips when ready: the stem pulls cleanly from the fruit with a gentle tug. Look for the netting to turn tan and corky, the background rind to shift from green to gold, and a sweet, fragrant aroma at the blossom end.

Any tips for growing Imperial 45 well?

Give Imperial 45 full sun, rich soil, and steady water while the vines run and fruit swells, then ease off watering in the final week or two so the melons finish sweet. Mulch under the fruit to keep it clean, and let bees do their work by avoiding sprays during flowering.