Botanically, cantaloupes and watermelons belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae). However, muskmelons (Cucumis melo) are botanically more closely related to cucumbers than to the watermelon family (Citrullus lanatus).

Origin and distribution of melons

Basically, according to botanists, the origin of all types of melon is to be found somewhere on the African continent. The so-called Tsamma melon is generally regarded as an archetype of the watermelon, some of whose representatives can still be found as wild plants in various areas of Africa. The fact that the fruits of these plants have a relatively bitter flesh and many large seeds is the reason why melons are now so widespread around the world. After all, in earlier centuries, the fruits were used by seafarers as provisions with a limited shelf life, since the seeds could be eaten roasted or flour could be obtained from them. After an early spread in Egypt, Persia and Asia Minor, melons also reached the following countries:

  • North America
  • Middle and South America
  • East Asia

Basic requirements for planting and caring for melons

When growing melons in your own garden or in a greenhouse, you should pay attention to the heat and liquid requirements of the plants. Since many types of melons are grown in tropical and subtropical temperatures in southern countries, you should look for a location that is as sunny and sheltered from the wind as possible. In addition, the soil should not be too calcareous and should be as permeable as possible so that the sensitive roots do not become waterlogged.

Preparing melons in the house

Actually all types of melon should be preferred for cultivation in Central Europe on the windowsill or in a greenhouse, so that the short summer season can be used as best as possible for the care of the plants up to the harvesting of fully ripe fruits. Simply put two to three seeds in a small pot. You can save yourself a lot of trouble with young plants that have died if you sow the seeds straight away in decomposable plant pots. In this way you spare the sensitive roots a critical point in their development with the unnecessary pricking out. Planting out should not take place until mid-May, as young melon plants are very sensitive to night frosts. In full sun, it is also advisable to let the plants grown indoors get used to the blazing sunlight for a few hours at first.

Different types of melon at a glance

A basic distinction is made between watermelons and sugar melons. Since some types of sugar melons, such as the Charentais melon, only produce fruit the size of a fist, these are sometimes also suitable for cultivation on the balcony.

The watermelon and its peculiarities

Among the various types of melons, the watermelon is one of the melons that are most commonly grown outdoors, in pots or in greenhouses in this country. While the large Crimson Sweet variety, with its fruits weighing up to 15 kilograms, is suitable for climbing on sunny slopes, the smaller and aromatically sweet Dugar Baby can also be grown well on the balcony or in the greenhouse.

Around the honeydew melon

The honeydew melon is sometimes also referred to as "yellow canary" because of one of its main growing areas and its bright, strong color. Fully ripe fruits give off a slightly sweet scent, which should not be too overpowering, otherwise it is an overripe specimen. In addition to the Canary Islands, honeydew melon is also grown in the following countries of origin:

  • Iran
  • China
  • Brazil

Like all types of melon, the fruit can only be stored for a limited time and is often served with ham as an appetizer.

More cantaloupes and their properties

Sugar melons are basically divided into three groups, with the group of winter melons being characterized by the fact that their fruits do not ripen after harvesting. Winter melons include melon varieties such as Yellow Canary, Tendral and Piel de Sapo. Net melons, on the other hand, continue to ripen a little after the harvest and are characterized by an aromatic scent. The netted melons include melon varieties such as Honey Dew or the extremely popular Galia melon. The so-called cantaloupe melons are considered the third subdivision of the sugar melons. In addition to the well-known cultivar Charentais from southern France, this also includes the plants and fruits of the subspecies Ogen. All sugar melons can usually be kept in the fridge for about three to seven days after they have been cut. However, muskmelons tend to be easier to consume than watermelons due to their smaller size.

tips and tricks

In principle, young plants can also be grown on the windowsill or in your own garden from the seeds of most commercially available melon varieties. However, these seed kernels must first be cleaned of any pulp so that they do not become moldy before or during the germination phase.

WK

Category:

Vegetable garden