Horti Tops® Melon Cantaloup Charentais

Melon Cantaloup Charentais (Cucumis melo)

The Taste of Summer

A perfectly ripe melon is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. The sweet, perfumed flesh is refreshing and luxurious. But melons need warmth – they come from hot climates and require long, warm summers to develop full sweetness.

Melon Types

Cantaloupe (Muskmelon): Orange flesh, netted skin, strong aroma. The most popular type.

Honeydew: Pale green flesh, smooth skin, subtle sweetness.

Charentais: Small French melon with intensely fragrant orange flesh. The connoisseur’s choice.

The Ripeness Test

A ripe melon smells sweet and musky at the stem end. Cantaloupes should slip easily from the vine when ripe – if you have to pull, it is not ready. The blossom end should give slightly when pressed.

Growing Melons

Melons need heat. Start indoors in cool climates. Plant in the warmest spot in your garden. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Water consistently until fruit sets, then reduce to concentrate sugars. In short-season areas, choose fast-maturing varieties.

Growing Melon Cantaloup Charentais