75 days. The Athena Hybrid variety of cantaloupe is a large melon with a sweet taste. The vine produces melons that reach maturity in as soon as seventy five days; earlier than many other varieties of cantaloupe. These seeds do best with full sun, in zones three to nine. Rich, sandy soil is preferable. Athena is an early-maturing eastern melon in a class of its own, asked for by name from gardeners to growers. Athena has consistently delivered at the top for flesh color, flavor, aroma, firmness, and shelf life after harvest. Athena may be used in some areas as a specialty type melon featuring superior high flavor. Oval melons are 5 to 6 pounds with thick, firm, orange flesh. Coarse netting, minor sutures. Pick Athena at full slip for best quality and flavor. Approx. 1,250 seeds/oz.
Growing Athena Hybrid Melon Seeds
- Latin Name: Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
- Other Names:
- Days to Maturity: 75 days
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Planting Depth: ½"
- Plant Spacing: 1-2"
- Row Spacing: 4-6'
- Growth Habit: Vine
- Soil Preference: Rich, sandy, Ph 7 to 7.8
- Temp Preference: Warmer
- Light Preference: Full Sun
- Diseases/pests: Susceptible to melon aphids, cucumber beetles, downy and powdery mildew.
- Color: Light golden
- Flavor: Mild, similar to honeydew.
The Athena Hybrid cantaloupe seeds can be sown indoors and transplanted outdoors after two to four weeks. When sowing, plant the seeds half an inch deep, with four to six feet between plants. The cantaloupe will thrive in rich, sandy soil, with a pH level between 7 and 7.8. While the cantaloupe is growing, monitor the vine and pinch off any blossoms or smaller melons. By doing this, you can redirect the energy from the vine to the biggest fruits. When watering the vine, it’s best to do so at a low level. This will prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can cause and spread disease through the vine. When the cantaloupe melons are slightly golden, they should easily be pulled from the vine. Picked melons will keep for several weeks.
Read this article by Live Science about the nutritional value of cantaloupe.