Cucumis melo subsp. melo Origin: Michigan, via Pennsylvania Improvement status: Cultivar Seeds per packet: ~25 Germination tested 09/2025: 98% Life cycle: Annual 'Emerald Gem' is an historic melon variety with relatively small fruits (up to 2 to 3 pounds), but with sweet and fragrant flesh with a classic melony spiciness. It was introduced by the famous Pennsylvania seed company W. Atlee Burpee in 1886 from seed sent to them by a William Voorhees of Benzie County, Michigan. It is a heavy producer with a relatively short season (70 to 90 days). Burpee originally described it as "altogether unapproached in delicious flavor and luscious beyond description." Our seed was grown by Clint Freund and Kass McKinnon of Cultivating the Commons in Madison, Wisconsin. GROWING TIPS: Direct seed into garden when soil has warmed up over 65 degrees F, or transplant healthy plant starts into ground. Plants should end up 18-24 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. Plant will sprawl.
