Minnesota Midget is a beloved heirloom cantaloupe developed in 1948 by the University of Minnesota — the same institution responsible for many of America’s most cold-hardy fruit varieties. Bred specifically for short growing seasons and northern climates, this compact little melon became a favorite of home gardeners across the Upper Midwest and Canada who thought melons were out of reach. Despite its small size, Minnesota Midget delivers full cantaloupe flavor in a fraction of the space, making it one of the most rewarding melons a home gardener can grow.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 60–75 days
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Fruit Size: 3–4 inches in diameter, baseball-sized
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Plant Size: Compact vines, 3–4 feet — ideal for small gardens and containers
Flavor Profile
Minnesota Midget delivers rich, sweet, classic cantaloupe flavor with a fragrant, orange flesh that is surprisingly deep for such a small fruit. The sweetness is concentrated — some gardeners find it more intensely flavored than full-sized cantaloupes — with a floral aroma and smooth, buttery texture at peak ripeness.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
This is a compact vining melon that produces prolifically for its size. Each plant sets multiple fruits per season, and the short maturity window makes it one of the earliest melons you can harvest. Vines can be trained vertically on a trellis to save space, with fruits supported in small slings.
Disease Resistance
Minnesota Midget shows good tolerance to powdery mildew and performs well in cooler, shorter growing seasons where other melons struggle. Its University of Minnesota breeding background gives it strong cold-hardiness relative to other cantaloupe varieties.
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Direct sow after last frost, or start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting
- Spacing: 24–36 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart (or trellis vertically)
- Sowing depth: ½ inch
- Full sun required — at least 6–8 hours daily
- Warm soil is essential — use black plastic mulch in cooler climates to boost soil temperature
- Water consistently at the base; avoid wetting foliage to prevent mildew
When to Plant
Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 65°F. In cooler climates, start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost and transplant carefully — melons dislike root disturbance. Check your USDA hardiness zone at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov for precise timing.
Companion Plants
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Nasturtiums — repel aphids and squash bugs; attract pollinators
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Marigolds — deter nematodes and beetles
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Corn — provides light wind protection for vines
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Radishes — deter cucumber beetles when planted nearby
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Avoid: Potatoes (compete for nutrients) and fennel (inhibits growth)
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled and halved with a squeeze of lime for a simple summer treat. Wrap thin slices in prosciutto for a classic Italian appetizer. Scoop into fruit salads, blend into chilled melon soup, or freeze into granita. At peak ripeness, Minnesota Midget is sweet enough to eat straight from the garden — no preparation needed.
Why Gardeners Love It
Minnesota Midget proves that great things come in small packages. It’s one of the few melons that thrives in short-season climates, and its compact vines make it accessible to gardeners with limited space. The flavor rivals full-sized cantaloupes, and the early harvest window means you’re eating fresh melon weeks before your neighbors.
Harvest Tips
Minnesota Midget is ready to harvest when the skin turns golden-yellow and the fruit slips easily from the vine with gentle pressure — this is called “full slip.” The blossom end will be fragrant and slightly soft. Do not harvest early — flavor develops fully only at peak ripeness. Refrigerate after harvest and enjoy within 3–5 days for best flavor.
Order Today
Big cantaloupe flavor in a compact, garden-friendly package. Minnesota Midget is the perfect melon for small spaces, short seasons, and anyone who wants homegrown sweetness without the sprawl.
