Melon
Cucumis melo
Also known as
Spanspek (Afr.), Smooth luffa, Loofah
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
9a-11b
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 2m |
30cm | Min | 1m |
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Harvest fruit as soon as fruit is big and fragrant. Do not pick too early - it will not ripen after picking!
More images of Melon
Melon Overview
Melons were originally grown in Africa and moved to Europe during the Bronze Age. It was one of the first crops grown in the Old and the New world and is still popular today freshly cut in fruit salads.
Common problems with Melon
How to propagate Melon
Seed
Sow seed in spring directly in prepared beds. Space wide to allow trailing vine to grow to the next plant.
Special features of Melon
Drought resistant
Once established the plant is fine with watering weekly, but in drier areas it always tastes sweeter!
Attracts useful insects
Including bees
Attractive leaves
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Melon
Vegetable, culinary, food
Edible
The fruit is actually a berry and smell sweet when ripe.
Edible to Sow Under Cover in May
Successional sow small batches on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator, ready to plant out later in the month.
