Schoon`s Hardshell Melon History

The Schoon`s hardshell melon was Introduced in 1947 by F. H. Woodruff & Sons. Hands down, one of the best heirloom varieties around for shipping and roadside stands. Aromatic fruits weigh 5-8 pounds, are heavily needed and highly flavored. Extremely well adapted to the upper Midwest. They smell so good that they will make you drool!

Growing Schoon`s Hardshell Melon

Sow melon seed 1 inch Deep, Plant melons on raised mounds or hills that are 24 inches across or wider. Sow 4 to 6 melons seeds on each mound. When seedlings have developed three or four true leaves, thin to the 2 or 3 strongest seedlings on each hill. Move an inch or two of soil across the top of the mound to form a rim around the top of the mound. The rim will protect young plants from heavy rains that might wash away the soil leaving shallow roots exposed; the rim will also hold irrigation water during hot weather.

Preserving And Storing Heirloom Schoon`s Hardshell Muskmelon

Like most melons, cantaloupes have a high water content: 95 percent. The flesh is denser than a watermelon, so it tends to emerge from the freezer with a chewier, more substantive texture.

Melon Recipes

Musk melon is a lovely sweet fruit with a soft flesh and lots of water content.

Schoon`s Hardshell Melon Nutrition

Cantaloupes Are A Good Source Of:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

Cantaloupes Can Help With The Following:

• Heart Health
• Eye Health
• Digestion

Other Melon Varieties Worth Checking Out

 The Noir Des Carmes is a French heirloom that was first mentioned by Mawe & Abercromie in 1787 and named for the Carmelite monks who once tended it in France. An extremely luxurious melon and one of the easiest to grow. About the size of a softball. Sweet, aromatic, orange flesh. Very productive. Fruits ripen from almost black to orange. Pick just before ripe to prevent splitting.

 The Minnesota Midget Melon was bred for northern growers at the University of Minnesota. This little muskmelon has 12 oz. fruit and you can easily furnish it with a trellis. This is a rare, short season melon that sweetens even in cold climates.