Cucumis melo
A deliciously popular melon known for its crazy skin, bright yellow streaked w/ red stripes. Flesh is mildly sweet & very aromatic. Originally from Armenia, this strange melon's much unlike any of the common melons sold at stores & is a real treat.
Days To Maturity: 85 Days
Transplant: May 1 - June 30
Harvest: July 16 - October 31
How to Grow
Melons enjoy warm temperatures and regular watering. Make sure plants do not dry out. It is common for leaves to droop a bit during warm summer days, so don't worry so long as the soil still has moisture. The plants enjoy warm soil temperatures, preferably above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If soil is not warm enough, several techniques can be tried. Covering the soil with black landscape fabric will raise soil temps. Cut a small hole for the melon plant. Another method is to amend the soil with 4 - 6" of manure or compost material. Both materials will give off heat as they compost, providing extra warmth to the melon plant roots. Most gardeners grow melons directly on the ground, but the plants can be grown on a trellis as well. Make sure to use sturdy support materials as melon plants can grow large and fruits may be heavy.
Other Notes
Melons will produce both male and female flowers. Male flowers bloom first and will die back, so don't fret if your plant starts blooming and does not seem to immediately set fruit. It usually takes a few weeks for melons to begin producing female flowers, which can be differentiated from male flowers by a small swelling at their base. When watering, try to avoid watering the leaves. Damp leaves along with warm weather are a perfect environment for fungal growth, which can attack melon leaves.
FREE Delivery Inside Interstate 264!