SELECTION:
● Melon Blenheim Orange
● Cantaloupe Ananas Pineapple Melon
● Melon Queen Annes Pocket
Background & Growing Guide for Melon Varieties
Here’s a detailed look at the background of each melon variety and a step-by-step guide on how to plant and care for them.
Melon Blenheim Orange
Background:
The Blenheim Orange Melon is a rare, heirloom variety originating from England, known for its exceptional sweetness and aromatic flavor.
It has a round, slightly ribbed shape with golden-orange skin and pale, juicy flesh. Traditionally grown in Victorian greenhouses, this melon was highly prized for its superior taste.
How to Plant & Care:
Soil & Location: Prefers well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
Planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and space them 18-24 inches apart in mounds.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as fruits mature to enhance sweetness.
Support & Pruning: Can be grown on the ground or trained onto a trellis for better air circulation. Pinch off excess vines to focus energy on fruit production.
Harvesting: Ready to harvest in 80-90 days when the skin turns golden and emits a fragrant aroma.
Cantaloupe Ananas Pineapple Melon
Background:
The Ananas Pineapple Melon, often referred to as a cantaloupe variety, originates from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is known for its elongated shape, lightly netted skin, and sweet, pineapple-like aroma. The flesh is a pale orange or creamy white colour with an exceptionally juicy texture.
How to Plant & Care:
Soil & Location: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal growth and sweetness.
Planting: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors and transplant after 2-3 true leaves develop. Space seeds 2 feet apart in rows or raised mounds.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture until flowering, then reduce watering to enhance flavor concentration in the fruit.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during early growth, then switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer when flowers appear.
Pollination: Attract bees and pollinators or hand-pollinate using a small brush to transfer pollen.
Harvesting: Melons are ready in 85-95 days when the stem easily separates from the fruit and emits a sweet, pineapple-like scent.
Melon Queen Anne’s Pocket
Background:
The Queen Anne’s Pocket Melon is an heirloom variety that was historically carried by Victorian women in their pockets for its intensely fragrant aroma. It is a small, ornamental melon with orange-red skin and yellow striping. While edible, it is primarily grown for its perfume-like fragrance rather than flavor.
How to Plant & Care:
Soil & Location: Thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Needs full sun exposure for best growth.
Planting: Start indoors 4 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow when soil is warm (above 70°F / 21°C). Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spacing 12-18 inches apart.
Watering: Provide moderate watering, keeping the soil moist but avoiding overwatering. Reduce watering as fruits develop.
Support & Growth: Can be grown in containers, trellises, or ground beds. Its compact size makes it easy to manage.
Harvesting: Fruits mature in 75-85 days. They are ready when the skin turns vibrant orange-red and they emit a strong, sweet fragrance.
General Tips for Melon Success:
✔ Mulching: Helps retain moisture and prevent weeds. Use straw or black plastic mulch.
✔ Pest Control: Watch out for aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
✔ Hand Pollination: If fruit set is low, use a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers.
✔ Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between plants to allow good air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
By following these guidelines, gardeners can enjoy a successful harvest of these unique and flavorful melon varieties.
If you have questions, please contact me.
