Type
small muskmelon
Melon variety
Minnesota Midget Melon
A compact, early melon with small fruit and sweet orange flesh. It is especially useful in short-season climates.
Days to maturity
70 to 80
Best for
short seasons, small gardens
About Minnesota Midget
Minnesota Midget is an early heirloom muskmelon developed at the University of Minnesota for short growing seasons. It stands out for its compact vines, usually only 3 to 4 feet long, and small softball-sized fruit with sweet golden-orange flesh, making it well suited to cool-climate and small-space gardeners.
Growing Minnesota Midget Melon
The short vines make this an excellent choice for containers, raised beds, or a small trellis, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart. Its early maturity, often around 60 to 70 days, fits northern gardens where longer-season melons struggle. Harvest at full slip when fruit turns golden and pulls free of the stem with a light tug.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all melons, see the complete guide.
How to grow MelonsOther melons varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.