Pick varieties adapted to New England. But the idea of having fresh melons in the dead of winter is enough to get me to try! Thank you @a, Soooo good to get out in the garden today! If after a week they dont seem dry enough, leave them a bit longer. A charentais melon will reach maturity within 75-90 days. Pick a good growing site; preferably well-drained soil and a southern exposure. In my heart of hearts, I hope that you already have a garden full of heirloom seeds. Skin is beige with a gray toned netting with a well defined seam. Then layout a piece of paper towel and lay the seeds out on it with space between them. Best Soil Test Kit Reviews: Complete Buyers Guide. All types of melons grow best in well-drained, sandy loam, slightly acidic soil. of potting soil, then water well. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. The modern Charentais was developed in Poitou-Charentes region of western France, around 1920 and was called a refined cantaloupe. Charentais melons are a prime candidate for this as we harvest, and eat them when they are mature. Ripeness is also indicated by a "warming" of the skin tone. This was my first year growing charentais melons, or as I like to call them fancy French melons. So anyway back to our fancy French melons. Keep at 20C. This is sometimes done in cool climates, where the plants are grown in greenhouses. 90 days. I am planning on trying to grow Charentais melons hydroponically, so we will have to see how that works out. Outdoor melons must have a warm, sunny, sheltered position, such as against a south-facing wall. Melon connoisseurs who want a real treat should consider growing Savor, a French Charentais melon. Normally when you grow melons vertically you need to make little slings for them, so they dont fall to the ground and smash. For most people, it will be their first time encountering this delicious little melon! So excited that, Plant friends are the best friends!!! Melons like hot weather, but Charentais also has a reputation for ripening well in cooler temperatures, so you could try planting a few seeds each month in the summer to see how late in the year you can get melons to ripen. So if they are grown on the ground they easily fall prey to ants. Though it's not ideal, the smaller cultivars can be grown in large containers (at least 18" deep and preferably bigger). They are the Confrrie des Chevaliers de lOrdre du Melon de Cavaillon (Knights of the Order of the Melon) and it is their sworn duty to uphold the standing of the charentais melon. But if by chance you do not, then here are 5 reasons you should add heirloom seeds to your garden. Charentais. Caring for container cantaloupes. The festival concludes with the running of 100 Camargue horses through the streets of the town. Soil needs. Growing charentais melons A history lesson. Plant four or five cantaloupe seeds in the center of the pot about two weeks after the last average frost date in your area. I will say it WAS delicious, so at least I had that. So you will have to keep checking on them and cut them off when the time is right. Once the seedlings are about 6 tall you can cover them with 1-2 of straw or mulch to help retain soil moisture. A thin layer of mulch, such as fine bark, will promote moisture retention. Their skin is different from those run of the mill cantaloupes as it is smooth. It harvests in 100 days. What is the best way to start growing? They are renowned in Europe for their exceptional If you have to plant them outside, try planting into your compost heap the heat off the composting material will benefit the plant and encourage the fruits to ripen. As a bonus these Charentais melons are a PERFECT candidate for vertical gardening. So really there is no excuse! To see our growing guide for melons, click here. The annual festival the town of Saint-Georges-des-Coteaux honors the Charentais melon. Because who doesnt want to grow fancy melons? How to grow Charentais melon growing and care: Recommend to watering on the ground and not watering on the leaves or the fruits, some species need trellising (the small ones), slightly acidic and well-drained soil. Melons grow 6" in diameter and weigh 3-4 lb. 1. Thank you @kodi, Did I mention that I love seeds? Round or oval cantaloupe found in Europe. Member $79.00 Non-Member $79.00 This means that melons prefer slightly acidic soil. Sowing instructions Sow at the end of April under glass in pots. Example first frost date on April 08. It harvests in 70-80 days. So behold below, my first (and only) charentais melon. They are cute, arent they? Have you grown Charentais melons before? Almost one hundred years ago the Randon family brought the Charentais, widely considered one of the sweetest melons, to fruition. Alvaro Melons are said to be one of the first melons to mature each season. Copyright 2019 Green Living Solution, Inc. Smart Gardener is a registered trademark of Green Living Solution, Inc. All rights reserved. Melon. Make sure to put them in a container with some air circulation. I am going vertical in a big way next year. Charentais melon seeds produce fruits that are about 6 in diameter and weigh about 3-4 pounds. Also, they give off a delicious smell that wafts through the morning air when they are ripe. The ripe fruits weigh 0.7-0.9 kg and have thick, orange, sweet-tasting flesh. The colour tends towards grey/green as it is growing and lightens taking on a slight yellow hue as it ripens but keeping its dark stripes. Homesteading is about learning, adapting and becoming more self-sufficient one lesson at a time. Last Frost Date (LFD) refers to the approximate date of the last killing frost of spring. Oh, and did I mention that the hardiness zones for charentais melons extend from zones 2-24. Sweet orange flesh, thin skin. Pin It. The best way to water them is with a drip system or soaker hose, as they don't like having wet leaves (this encourages fungus disease). Which can also crush your dreams of melon domination. Sow seeds inches deep in seed-starting formula. Extra-early Charentais type, matures nearly a week before Savor. I'm just a city girl, who wishes she was a country girl, who is currently living in the 'burbs with a heart full of homestead dreams. Crushing your dreams of melon domination to smithereens. Cucurbitaceae Cucumis melo. Zones 9-10. Seedling / Seed. Ideally grow melons in the greenhouse or cold frame, in a rich, well-drained soil. Not only was it very prolific, but it was the BEST cantalopue/honeydew-type melon I have ever grown. Sow the charentais seeds along the base of the trellis, spacing the seeds 36 to 48 inches apart and planting them one-half inch deep. Melons need warm weather, so dont plant them until all danger of frost is past and the soil temperature is at least 70 F. Melons are quite shallow rooted, so need fairly constant water. Take a look at Maggies Smart Garden, its vegetable garden Layout, Plants in her Garden, Weekly To Dos and her Garden Journal. But for best results, grow melons in a greenhouse, under cloches or in a growing frame or cold frame. Grow the best tasting vegies with free Carrot St Valery', Broccoli Romanesco', Beetroot Bulls Blood' and Silverbeet Fordhook seeds (one packet of each, valued at $21). I have got to get more seed and grow this one again. It goes by the very distinguished scientific name of Cucumis melo var. Fruit should 65 days to harvest. They prefer a high humidity. GROWING MELONS IN CONTAINERS In 9cm wide, individual pots full of seed sowing compost on a warm windowsill indoors, sow seed in early to mid-April. In the UK it is best to grow in Planting by Zones. Unlike most musk melons, Charentais melons do NOT detach from their stem when they are ripe (more on knowing when they are ripe later). Spelled slightly different as 'Charantais,' though. What is your favourite melon to grow? Plants are medium size and the melons run to 2 pounds. Once you have picked out any bad seeds, dump the rest into a strainer and rinse them with clean water. As always, I encourage you to save seeds for this years harvest to plant for next year. The charentais is popular throughout Europe and sold in place of the cantaloupe which is the primary melon purchased in the United States. Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel. Place your container cantaloupes in a location that receives at Unlike most musk melons, they do not fall off when they are ripe. Garden vertically this year, trellis tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, beans, and peas. Sun Exposure: Melon plants love the sun, yet they will still grow in rather shady environments. Ripe when small pointed leaf on stem where attached to fruit becomes pale in color. First Frost Date (FFD) refers to the approximate date of the first killing frost of winter. They inspect each years harvest to ensure its density, appearance and taste. But in my defence, I was terrified that some random trash panda (raccoon) would enjoy its deliciousness before I had a chance to! 7kg (11 melons) We grew this charentais-type melon from grafted plants, and they were by far the most expensive in the test. The oval fruit have a smooth gray exterior with dark gray sutures. If you are direct seeding then you will want to plant 3-4 seeds per hill/mound and plant the seeds about 1 deep. 1. Honeydew melons, like Charentais, have a small, long-stemmed leaf attached to the vine opposite where the fruit is attached, which turns yellow when the melons are ripe. Given all this pomp and circumstance it was mandatory that I grow this fancy and supremely delicious melon in my backyard. (C) 2019 - Solo Pine. The original strain is from France. How to harvest the Charentais Melon - a very sweet, small variety of cantaloupe from France. The good seeds will settle at the bottom and the bunk ones will float to the top and can be discarded. This method is also great to help identify seeds that are variable vs those that are no good for no one. Charentais are small, about 2 lb., and round, with gray-green rind and deep orange flesh. Planted, When you are SPOILT and loving it! They will do well with 2-3 inches of organic matter added on top of the soil. A true, traditional Charentais melon is surprisingly hard to find. Growing instructions Grow on in a cold greenhouse up a string. The seeds should germinate within 3-10 days. Variety Information: Charentais' is about 1 pounds, and the size of a small grapefruit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Melons grow best in warm and dry climates with optimal temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil Requirements: Melons grow best in loose soil with soil pH of 6.2 6.7. It's an online vegetablegarden planner for anyone who wants homegrown, healthy and tasty food to be part of their lifestylewhile having a busy life. cantalupensis. As if all that wasnt enough, there is even a nine-ton sculpture of this delicious fruit that greets visitors as they reach the town of Cavaillon. 72 Days Select Packet $6.75 100 Seeds $41.12 250 Seeds $83.74 1,000 Seeds $285.70 5,000 Seeds $1,048.65 It even has its own festival, the Fria du Melon Cavaillon, which is held in Cavaillon on the second weekend of July. Be sure to let them know about the festival, statue and knights to make sure they are sufficiently impressed with your accomplishment! Melons must have hot weather (ideally 90 F) if they are to make the sugar needed to produce sweet fruits. Work this into a depth of about 6-8, then you can form a mound that is about 2 inches high and 4 in diameter. All you have to do is to scoop out the seeds and pop them into a little mason jar with some water. Flesh is orange and meat is fragrant when ripe. Tricia shows you how to build a variety of quick and easy vegetable trellises. They do best in soil that has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8, so its a good idea to have your soil tested to determine if the pH level is suitable to support melons. 5 gram packet. I am such an heir. The Charentais melon originated in the Poitou-Charentes region of Western France back in the 1920s (also the home of Cognac). Charentais melons can be direct seeded outdoors once all danger of frost has passed or you can start them indoors 1 month before the transplanting date. It is considered to be one of the best variants of cantaloupes ever produced, superior to its counterparts in terms of flavor, aroma, and texture. Growing melons from seed sowing the seed Step 2 After germination, remove the weaker of the two seedlings and keep the compost moist but not too wet. All Rights Reserved. #makefoodgrow. This French gourmet melon is the only true cantaloupe. They also change colour from grey/green to a light green/yellow with a hint of orange. Fairly easy to grow. We want to make sure they are fully dry so that they dont go mouldy. The modern Charentais was developed in Poitou-Charentes region of western France, around 1920 and was called a refined cantaloupe. My charentais melons plants withered up before they could produce any flowers. As a micro homesteader I do not have a lot of space to work with, so growing vertically just makes sense. What we in America know as a cantaloupe is actually a muskmelon. Exotic melons are all the rage in the gardening world. No Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F. Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. Brent grew countless melon crops in recent decades, and he had developed an eight-step program aimed at market gardeners who want to successfully grow melons in New Hampshire. Melons are tender plants, so need a warm, sunny spot with high humidity. The flesh is a lovely, fragrant, delicious bright orange. There is even a brotherhood of knights devoted to this melon, which were founded in 1988. Charentais Cantaloupe will grow to the size of a softball. Are charentais melons hard to grow - especially in hot weather? Curious about what you can (and cant) grow hydroponically? Charentais melons can be direct seeded outdoors once all danger of frost has passed or you After the first true leaves have However, we thought they were still well worth growing as the plants were robust and the melons were ripe by the end of August, so it had Potted Melon Care Which makes sense as they ARE a type of cantaloupe. Classic European melon. Another good reason to grow Charentais melons vertically is that they are prone to splitting when they are ripe. Let them sit for about 2 days so that they can ferment. The skin is smooth and light green, with bands of darker green from the stem to the bottom. Charentais melons have been prized since the 16th century in France for their fragrant smell and delicious meat. See I told you it was fancy! But this is not 100%. It is dug in about a foot deep. One of the things I love about heirloom fruits and vegetables is their story and history, this one sure fits that bill! An early type Charentais with round very light netted fruits. Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic matter, such as leaf mold or compost, on top of the soil in a sunny location that receives a minimum of six hours 2. Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Native: Africa, Asia, Australia, West Pacific Islands. We have goat manure in our clay soil here, too. Melons grow 6" in diameter and weigh 3-4 lb. Seed also available at SSE. Cover the pots with Clingfilm and maintain a temperature of 18 degree Celsius until the seedlings start to emerge. How to Grow Charentais Melons. They are very similar in taste to cantaloupes but it has its own distinct and a bit more intense flavour. Word on the street is that you end up with larger melons this way. Otherwise, plant outside in a sunny, sheltered position. Unsubscribe at any time. I share these tips with you here. Unlike another famous french melon, the Cavaillon, Charentais melons are not protected by an AOC (appellation d'origine contrle) which designates by law specific growing regions. They don't like a lot of nitrogen, but they do need plenty of phosphorus and potassium. I mean I certainly do! I like to cover the top with a piece of paper towel or toilet paper and write the type of seed and date on it. Melons are fairly hungry plants. Charentais melon seeds produce the most adorable and sweet little cantaloupe-like melons! Let them dry for about a week and then you can transfer them to storage awaiting next seasons planting! Did you know that you can from an endless supply o, Things are growing so well in my Personal Rise Gar, New mug + new seeds = Happy me You will want to keep the soil moist during the duration of the growing season. Check out my post on that very subject here. Melons do take up space and need hot conditions and Is it necessary to graft or use vegetative reproduction? These beauties wont do that, so. As I am still new to the Charentais world I am not able to personally weigh in on this, also I only had one fruit this year so But the idea is that by reducing the number of melons per vine, the plant is able to focus all its energy on the remaining ones. The soil must be humus-rich and well drained. Its salmon-colored flesh has a creamy texture with an ambrosial flavor. Trellised cantaloupes utilize a much smaller portion of the garden, allowing even Grow Heirloom Melons - Charentais Melon Seeds:Renowned for its tropical, super-sweet taste and exotic perfume, Charentais Melon is the quintessential French melon. If Melons don't get enough heat they won't taste very good (even if you do grow them successfully.). In cooler areas you need to give them as much sun and heat as possible. These guys are tiny, about the size of a softball, usually 2-3lb fruits. What we in America know as a cantaloupe is actually a muskmelon. Then just secure it with a mason jar ring. Charentais, honeydews, crenshaw, and galia are some of the unusual melons available to grow that feature different colored flesh, unique flavors and sweet aromas. Neutral: On Aug 10, 2005, aries44 from Miami, FL (Zone 10b) wrote: 80 days. The Asian population is especially fond of the oriental crisp-flesh melon, while crenshaw and ananas melons typically have limited shelf life and usually best fill niches in local markets such as roadside stands. Extremely sweet with a rich Cantaloupe flavor. Cover the seeds with about an inch (2.5 cm.) They grow to 5-inches in diameter. Hopefully, I will be adding charentais melons to the CAN list in the near future. They should also be sheltered from cool winds. Then you will be well on your way to dazzling your friends, family and enemies with your fancy French melons.

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