Cucumis melo aka Cantaloupe

Taxonomy

Cucumis melo, commonly known as melon, is a species of Cucumis that has been cultivated into various varieties. The fruit, which is a pepo, can have a sweet or bland flesh with or without a musky aroma. The rind of the melon can be smooth, ribbed, wrinkled, or netted, depending on the variety. In North America, the sweet-flesh varieties are often referred to as muskmelons, including both the musky netted-rind types and the inodorous smooth-rind types. The term cantaloupe usually denotes the former type. However, in a narrower sense, muskmelon specifically refers to the musky netted-rind variety, while the true cantaloupe is a ribbed and often warty European type that is not commonly grown in North America. The origin of melons is still debated among botanists, with possible origins in the Levant, Egypt, Iran, India, Central Asia, or Africa. Some wild melon varieties can still be found in certain African countries. One type of melon is a cantaloupe cultivar that grows in greenhouses. It produces smaller, round fruit with distinct stripes, reaching up to 15cm in diameter. The flesh of this melon is pale green and very sweet. Another melon variety is a true French heirloom cantaloupe from the Poitou-Charentes region of western France. It has a mostly smooth skin, but can also have some netting. The fruits are petite, weighing between 2-3 lbs and about the size of a large grapefruit, making them perfect for sharing. The melon's hard, grey-green skin is vertically ribbed and protects dense, succulent, salmon-orange flesh that is unbelievably sweet and aromatic. The vines of this variety are compact and well-kept, making them suitable for smaller gardens and trellises.

Common names

Cantaloupe, Melon

How to care for Cantaloupe

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Cantaloupe, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Cantaloupe should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cantaloupe loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cantaloupe requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Melon will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Cantaloupe plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Cantaloupe is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Cantaloupe does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Region of origin

Cantaloupe’s native range is Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia