The Charentais melon is one of the smaller representatives of the sugar melons. This makes them interesting for growing on balconies or in smaller gardens.

Classification and characteristics of the Charentais melon

Various types of melon such as the Charentais, the honeydew melon (or yellow canary) and the Galia are usually grouped together under the umbrella term of the sugar melon because of their sweet taste. The so-called cantaloupe melons, which include the following subspecies, are considered an intermediate stage in the determination of melon varieties:

  • Charentais
  • Galia
  • ogen

In addition, there are also so-called winter melons and the relatively long-lasting netted melons as subspecies of sugar melons in Europe.

Prepare the Charentais melon in good time

Since almost all melon varieties thrive better in warmer climates than in Europe, the young plants must be brought forward early if the fruits are to ripen in time by autumn. You can buy the seeds of the Charentais melon in specialist shops or obtain them from the fruits bought in shops. However, seed kernels from fruits should be well cleaned of fruit pulp so that no mold forms during the germination phase. You should also know that the seeds of cultivated hybrid varieties are usually not suitable for further propagation. From the beginning of April, put two seeds in a pot on the windowsill so that you can plant the young plants in the greenhouse or on the balcony or terrace from May. Since the Charentais melon forms long tendrils and the fruits can also grow hanging in the air due to their smaller size, the variety is also known as the so-called "balcony melon" and is valued.

Tips for a successful harvest

The roots of young melon plants are very sensitive, which is why they should only be pricked out with extreme caution or planted directly in a rotting plant pot. Especially when growing melons in pots, you have to water the plants almost every day in summer. With a sufficiently early sowing and good care, Charentais melons usually bear fist-sized fruit ready for harvest in August.

tips and tricks

The orange flesh of the Charentais melon is ideal for enhancing the appearance and taste of appetizer plates with ham and cheese appetizers.

WK

Category:

Vegetable garden