Sweet Melon 'Ananas'

50 seeds

Sweet Melon 'Ananas' (Pineapple Melon) is a traditional heirloom melon that produces large, oval fruits with golden-yellow skin and fragrant white to pale green flesh. It is known for its sweet, tropical aroma reminiscent of pineapple and juicy texture. It thrives in warm weather and is well suited to Gulf gardens when planted during the cooler growing season.

Best Planting Time

• September to November (recommended)
• January to February (spring crop in mild Gulf areas)
• Avoid planting during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 4–6 hours before sowing to improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Melons prefer fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Direct sowing is recommended.
• Sow 2–3 seeds per planting hole.
• Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• After germination, keep the strongest seedling.
• If using seed trays, transplant seedlings carefully when they have 2–3 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 24–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 24–35°C
• Requires 8–10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun is essential for sweet, flavorful fruit.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply whenever the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Reduce watering slightly as fruits begin to ripen to improve sweetness.
• Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce fungal diseases.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 80–100 cm between plants.
• 150–200 cm between rows.

Harvest

• Harvest 85–100 days after sowing.
• Fruits are ready when:
  • Skin develops a rich golden color.
  • A sweet aroma becomes noticeable.
  • The fruit begins to slip easily from the vine with gentle pressure.
• Harvest in the morning for the best quality.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• During flowering and fruit development, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes vine growth instead of fruit production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
• Hand-pollination can improve fruit set if bee activity is low.
• Monitor for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, melon fruit fly, powdery mildew, and downy mildew.
• Sweet Melon 'Ananas' performs well in home gardens, raised beds, and large vegetable gardens throughout the Gulf.