| (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) Muskmelons include the green-fleshed muskmelons and the orange-fleshed cantaloupes. CULTURE: Melons require a loose, warm, sandy loam of pH 7 to reach their full potential. They will not thrive on soil that is below pH 6, nor will they thrive in peat, muck, or heavy clay soil. An even supply of water is necessary through pollination and early fruit set, and the soil should be well supplied with nutrient- rich compost. The root system of melons should be disturbed as little as possible; therefore, start seed in pots, not flats. Sow 2 or 3 seeds per pot, 1/2" deep, and thin by cutting off at the base, not by pulling seedlings. Seeds germinate best at 85-90 deg. F (29 to 32 deg. C). During the seedling stage maintain soil temperature at 75 deg. F (24 deg. C) or above, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Harden the young plants before transplanting, and do not set out into the garden until the soil is warm. Space plants approximately 18" apart. Direct seeding: Once the soil temperature averages 70 deg. F (21 deg. C) sow seeds 1/2 to 3/4" deep. HARVEST: When ripe, most varieties of melon slip from the vine in response to thumb pressure at the base of the stem. Ripe melons also develop a sweet aroma, and an ivory-yellow coloring. FLAVOR: Flavor development begins in the last two weeks before peak ripeness. Thus knowledge of proper harvest time is important. Cool, wet, cloudy conditions may cause melons to lose flavor. DISEASES: One of the most difficult problems in growing melons is controlling or preventing disease. This is not a problem in every area or in every year, but if you have problems with diseases it is best to rely on disease resistant or tolerant varieties. SEED SAVERS: Isolate melons by a minimum of 1/8 mile for home use, or 1/2 to 1 mile for pure seed. PACKET: 2 g (about 50 to 90 seeds, depending on variety) sows 50'. |