Melon Cantaloupe Hales Best Jumbo

Melon Cantaloupe Hales Best Jumbo is a well-known cantaloupe melon variety valued for its excellent flavour, early cropping, and attractive large fruits. The melons are oval shaped with ribbed, heavily netted skin that develops a golden tint as the fruit matures.

The flesh is thick, deep orange, sweet, juicy, and highly fragrant. Fruits can weigh around 4lb or more in good growing conditions, making this a strong choice for gardeners who want a productive and flavourful melon variety.

For best results in the UK, grow Hales Best Jumbo under cover in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or warm protected area. It can also be grown outdoors in a very warm, sunny, sheltered position.

Key Features

• Popular cantaloupe melon variety
• Early cropping type
• Large oval ribbed fruits
• Heavy golden netted skin
• Fruits can weigh around 4lb or more
• Thick deep orange flesh
• Sweet, fragrant flavour
• Best grown under cover
• Can be trained to save space or left to trail

Growing Information

• Sow in late spring
• Sow in warmth, such as on a windowsill or in a heated greenhouse
• Sow in 3 inch pots
• Sowing depth: ½ inch
• Sow 3–4 seeds per pot
• Germination usually takes 5–10 days
• After germination, thin to the strongest seedlings
• Plant into larger pots or final growing position once established
• Best grown under cover for reliable results
• Outdoor growing is possible only in very warm, sheltered locations
• Plants can be trained vertically to save space or left to trail naturally