Growing Niche Crops
Korean Melon
Korean Melon
Korean melons are an exceptional high-return crop for farmers interested in growing Asian vegetables. This variety of melon is a common and well-loved summertime fruit in many southeast Asian countries, especially South Korea, where it is seen as a symbol of summer. Here in North America, this pint-sized delicacy is in high demand as a commodity for Asian specialty markets, making it an excellent choice farmers looking to expand their production repertoire next season.
Korean Melons From Planting To Harvest
A member of the cucurbit family, Korean melons (Cucumis melo L.) are a relatively low maintenance specialty crop, especially considering their high price-point. Known for their heat-loving nature and drought tolerance, Korean melons prefer long, warm seasons and benefit from well-draining soil. In commercial production settings, Korean melons are generally started from plugs and require approximately 70 days to harvest. Being a relatively small member of the melon family, Korean melons are spaced more closely than watermelons or cantaloupe at 12-24 inches on center.
Common Pests and Diseases
Korean melons are hardy plants, however they may suffer from pest and disease issues common to other melon species. Common Korean melon pests include corn rootworm beetle, thrips, and whiteflies in warmer regions such as Florida. Likewise, some of the most common disease problems that can affect Korean melon include Alternaria leaf spot, black rot, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt.
Organzo’s Network of Buyers
For American and Canadian growers, the most troublesome part of growing Korean melon might be finding the market for this niche crop. By partnering with Organzo, growers gain access to our network of buyers across the United States, as well as the freedom to do what they love with peace of mind knowing that we will work with them to get the best possible price for their produce. Organzo’s promise of trust and transparency ensure that our partners know we are on their team every step of the way.
To learn more about this opportunity, check out our video featuring some of our American growers: Organzo Brand Anthem
Or reach out to our staff here: