Schoon’s Hardshell Melon

90 days — The fruit of ‘Schoon’s Hardshell’, as its name implies, have a very hard shell, are almost round, and can weigh up to eight pounds each. The flesh is apricot-colored, sweet, and very tasty. Unlike other varieties, they maintain their taste and texture for days after being harvested. This trait, combined with their hard rind, make them a good choice as a fresh market or shipping melon.

Said to possess better eating qualities than ‘Bender’s Surprise‘, it is reportedly a cross between ‘Bender’s Surprise‘ and ‘Honey Rock‘. Introduced by F. H. Woodruff & Sons of Milford, Connecticut in the early 1940s. Each packet contains one gram, which is about 28 seeds.