Cucumis melo Minnesota Midget – Compact, early ripening melon for any garden

Cucumis melo (Minnesota Midget Melon) is a beloved heirloom variety known for its compact growth, exceptional earliness, and delicious, aromatic fruits. This melon was specifically developed for cooler climates and short growing seasons, making it particularly suitable for gardeners in Northern Europe. Whether you have a large vegetable garden, a city garden, a balcony, or a greenhouse, Minnesota Midget performs exceptionally well almost anywhere.

Botanical properties

Minnesota Midget belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and grows as a trailing, yet compact melon plant. This makes it ideal for gardeners with limited space.

Leaves: The plant produces medium-sized, dark green leaves that provide good shade and protect the fruits from sunburn.

Flowers: The bright yellow flowers attract many pollinators, ensuring reliable fruit set, even in less warm summers.

Fruit:
The Minnesota Midget is best known for its small, manageable melons, about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in diameter. The rind is golden yellow to orange when ripe, lightly ribbed, and highly decorative. The flesh is deep orange, tender, juicy, and remarkably sweet, with a delightful musky aroma reminiscent of classic cantaloupe.

Growth and location

This variety was developed at the University of Minnesota specifically for cooler northern climates. The plant has a short development time of only 65–75 days, almost always resulting in a successful harvest.

Ideal conditions:

• Location: sunny and sheltered

• Temperature: also grows at lower summer temperatures

• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil

• Space: ideal for small gardens due to its compact growth

Growing and sowing tips:

• Sowing indoors is possible from March–April.

• Planting out can take place as soon as all risk of frost has passed.

• Planting distance: 50–60 cm because of the compact but productive growth.

• Water regularly at the base of the plant to prevent mold.

• Fertilize lightly for optimal production and taste.

Benefits of Minnesota Midget

• Early and reliable: Short growing season makes the species almost always successful.

• Compact growth: Perfect for balconies, raised beds and small gardens.

• Delicious aroma: Sweet, soft and particularly tasty fruits.

• Ornamental use: The small, golden-colored fruits are also decorative.

• Suitable for cool climates: Outperforms many other melons in shorter summers.

• Excellent for beginners: Robust, low maintenance, fast harvest.

Culinary applications

Minnesota Midget is not only easy to grow, but also culinary versatile:

• Fresh food: Ideal as a healthy daily snack or to start the day.

• Fruit and yogurt bowls: The sweet orange pulp completes any fruit bowl.

• Smoothies: Provides a creamy, sweet base flavor.

• Desserts: Perfect for sorbets, sundaes, and summer desserts.

• Gastronomic presentation: The small fruits can be served cut in half as natural “bowls”.

Use in the vegetable garden

• City garden and balcony: Due to its compact growth, it is extremely suitable for pots and containers.

• Greenhouse or tunnel: Ensures an even faster and sweeter harvest.

• Vegetable beds: Combines well with beans, herbs and flowers.

• Vertical growing: Can also grow along a small trellis.

Care tips

• Keep the plant well-ventilated to prevent mildew.

• Remove some excess tendrils to direct energy to the fruits.

• Mulch the soil to retain moisture and get clean fruits.

• Harvest when the skin turns golden yellow and the fruit easily detaches from the plant.

Summary

Cucumis melo Minnesota Midget is an exceptionally early, compact, and flavorful melon variety, perfect for any type of garden – from greenhouse to balcony. The plant produces small, aromatic melons with intense orange flesh that ripen reliably even in cooler summers. Minnesota Midget is a top choice for gardeners who have limited space but still want to enjoy home-grown, sweet, and juicy melons.