Native to France, the Charentais melon is an old variety with sweet orange flesh, firm and very fragrant. Its rind is pale green, almost gray. Pinch the ends of the plant when the fruit is pollinated to allow the plant to ripen.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds

~50

Difficulty       

Hard

Sowing        

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle      

Annual

Root cellar   

No

Sowing season       

Spring

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 1.5 cm

optimal temperatures of germination: 25 to 30ºC

time for germination: 5 to 10 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing 4 to 6 weeks before the last date in your area OR

direct sowing after any risk of frost, when the soil is warm (16ºC and more)

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed and the air is warmed

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 60 cm

between rows: 90 to 120 cm

Plant height: 30 to 40 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: full sun

Maturation (after transplanting): 90 days

Specificities:

Sow in biodegradable peat cups to avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting;

As melons like warm summers, for best results, grow them sheltered from wind and cold or under cover (bell, greenhouse or plastic tunnel).