Can You Grow Melons from Store-Bought Seeds?
Introduction
If you’re a gardener, you may have wondered if you can grow melons from the seeds of store-bought melons. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know.
Why Won’t Grocery Store Melon Seeds Grow?
Most melons you buy in the grocery store are hybrids. This means they have been bred to have certain characteristics, such as good shipping ability and long shelf life. However, the seeds from hybrid melons will not produce the same type of melon.
Can You Grow Melons from Store-Bought Seeds?
Yes, you can grow melons from store-bought seeds, but you may not get the same type of melon that you bought. The seeds may also be less likely to germinate and grow into healthy plants.
How to Grow Melons from Store-Bought Seeds
If you want to try growing melons from store-bought seeds, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Harvest the seeds. Cut the melon in half and remove the seeds and membrane. The riper the melon, the more likely the seeds will grow.
- Clean the seeds. Remove as much of the stringy membrane as you can, then drop the seeds into a dish of water. Adding a drop of dish soap helps remove sugary residue from the seeds.
- Separate the viable seeds from the dead seeds. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom of the dish, while the dead seeds will float. Skim off the floaters and toss them.
- Rinse and dry the seeds. Use a strainer to catch the remaining seeds, then rinse well with cool water. Next, place the seeds on a paper towel to dry for several days.
- Store the seeds. When the seeds are completely dry, place them in an envelope. Put the envelope in a clean jar with a desiccant, such as dried rice or powdered milk. Seal the jar with a lid.
- Plant the seeds. Plant the seeds in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist.
Troubleshooting Melon Seed Germination Problems
If your melon seeds are not germinating, there are a few things you can check:
- Are the seeds viable? Viable seeds will sink to the bottom of a dish of water. If your seeds are floating, they are not viable and will not germinate.
- Is the soil warm enough? Melon seeds need warm soil to germinate. The ideal soil temperature for melon seeds is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Is the soil moist? Melon seeds need moist soil to germinate. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Conclusion
Growing melons from store-bought seeds can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it is important to remember that you may not get the same type of melon that you bought. If you are patient and follow the steps in this article, you can increase your chances of success.
