Banana Melon is a distinctive American heirloom dating to the 1880s, listed in seed catalogs of that era and notable for its elongated, banana-like shape. It grows into a long, slender fruit with smooth yellow skin and fragrant salmon-orange flesh. When ripe it emits a strong, sweet aroma reminiscent of its namesake. Banana Melon is an open-pollinated muskmelon-type valued by heritage gardeners as a novelty and for its spicy-sweet, aromatic flavor. It requires a long, warm season to mature and stands out visually in the garden for its unusual form. Gardeners can save seed to preserve this unusual and historic variety true to type.
Flavor Profile
Sweet and spicy-aromatic with soft, fragrant salmon-orange flesh.
Visual Characteristics
Long slender banana-shaped fruit reaching 16-24 inches with smooth yellow skin and salmon-orange flesh.
Growing Tips
Needs a long, warm season to ripen; its unusual elongated shape and strong aroma signal ripeness.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Moderate field tolerance
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.