Quick Overview
Charentais melons , renowned for their sweet-scented , spicy fleshandaromatic fragrance , are a pleasant-tasting dainty that can be easy spring up in home garden . This comprehensive scout will provide you with stride - by - step instructionson how to plant Charentais melon vine seeds , see a bountiful harvesting of these flavorful melon .
Choosing the Right Seeds
Selecting high - quality Charentais melon seed is crucial for successful cultivation . Look for seeds from reputable come companies that specialise in heirloom andorganic varieties . unresolved - pollinated seeds are recommend as they willproduce melon vine trueto their parent industrial plant .
Preparing the Soil
Charentais melon flourish in well - drained , fecund ground with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend the soil withorganic mattersuch as compost or manure to improve drainage and nutrient subject . Raised bed are an excellent option for furnish optimal growing conditions .
Timing and Spacing
Plant Charentais melon seeds outdoors after the last spring frost . Thesoil temperatureshould be at least 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ) . Space the seeds 2 - 3 foundation apart to allow forproper growthand air circulation .
Planting the Seeds
1 . Dig ahole approximately1inch deepand 2 inches wide.2 . position 2 - 3 seeds in the hole and cover them with soil.3 . Firm thesoil gentlyaround the seeds.4 . Water the seeds soundly .
Germination and Care
sprouting typically occurs within 7 - 10 days . Keep the soil moist but not soggy . Once theseedlings emerge , thin them to the strongest plant per hole . Provide even watering , peculiarly during ironical spells .
Fertilizing
Fertilize theCharentais melonsevery 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced fertiliser . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can lead toexcessive vine growthand reduced fruit production .
Watering
Charentais melon vine require coherent watering , specially during fruiting . Water profoundly at the base of the plants , fend off the leaves . Mulching around the plants can helpretain moistureand suppress weeds .
Trellising
trellis the melon vine provides funding , improves air circulation , andprevents fruitfrom decompose on the ground . apply asturdy trellisor stakes to steer the vine upwards .
Pollination
Charentais melons are monoecious , meaning they produce both male and distaff flowerson the same plant . pollenation occur when bee or other louse transfer pollen from the manly flowers to thefemale bloom . If you notice a lack of pollination , you could assist by hand - pollinating the flowers .
Harvesting
Charentais melons are ready to harvest when they reach their full size of it and have aslightly sweet aroma . The hide should have a slight give when pressed gently . Cut the melons from the vine with asharp knife , leaving a small stem attached .
Growing Tips
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q : How long does it take forCharentais melonsto grow from seeds?A : Ittakes approximately70 - 90 days from institute the germ to harvesting the melons . Q : What are thecommon pestsand disease that affect Charentais melons?A : Common pests admit aphids , cucumber beetles , andsquash bugs . Diseases include powdery mildew , downy mildew , and flower end rot . Q : How can Iprevent powdery mildewon Charentais melons?A : Provide beneficial line circulationby spacing theplants properlyand using trellising . Water the melons at the stand of the flora , avoiding the leaves . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can make the plants more susceptible to powdery mould .