Scientific name: Cucumis melo L.
Common name: Melon
General Description: The origin of melon is uncertain. It is thought to have originated in Africa, and then in other centers of diffusion, such as the Middle East, Central Asia, India, and even the Iberian Peninsula, where it was introduced by the Arabs. Europe is the region where melon cultivation is the oldest and most regular.
We have seeds of different varieties:
- Melon 'Branco do Ribatejo' is a very productive traditional Portuguese variety with oval-shaped fruits, that can weigh between 3 and 4 kilograms.
- Melon 'Manuel António' is a traditional variety from the municipality of Alpiarça with a round fruit shape and hard green skin.
- Melon 'Petit Gris De Rennes' (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis), a kind of round and wrinkled melon, is an old traditional French variety that bears small-sized fruit with an orange interior.
Nutritional facts: Melons contain a high potassium content and are a source of vitamin C and carotenes, especially zeaxanthin. Consisting mainly of water, it has a low energy value.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Climate: Warm, without cold nights, and a south-facing exposure is ideal.
Soil: Light, fertile, well-drained. pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Watering: Different water requirements throughout the cycle. In the initial phase, and during pollination, the needs are high then should only water when the soil is dry.
Associations: Pumpkin, Corn.
Sowing time: From April to July.
Harvest time: From July to October.