Charentais, organic seeds
Eco Heirloom
Information
Is the original French melon, ancestor of numerous more modern hybrid sorts. The fruit is smooth with gray green peel and darker stripes from pole to pole. It usually weighs between 0.7-0.9 kg (1-2 lbs.). The flesh is deep orange and very juicy and aromatic. Charentais is a really delicious dessert melon. A portion contains about 10 seeds.
| Product number: | 3360 |
|---|---|
| Scientific name: | Cucumis melo |
| Botanic family: | The Squash Family - Cucurbitaceae |
| Organic: | Yes |
| Days to maturity: | 80 |
| Lifespan: | Annual |
| F1 Hybrid: | No |
| New variety: | No |
| Sowing time: | Pre-cultivate: April–May |
| Sowing depth: | 1–2 cm |
| Germination time: | 5–7 days |
| Plant spacing: | 40 cm tied up/60–100 cm on the ground |
| Row spacing: | 100–150 cm |
| Height: | 200–300 cm |
| Plant location: | Sun |
| Harvest/blooming: | August–September |
| Seeds/g: | 30–40 seeds |
| Heirloom variety: | Yes |
Cultivation advice
Sowing
The seeds are usually sown indoors or in a hotbed 4-5 weeks before planting outside. Sow in pots, 1 - 2 cm deep and 3-4 seeds in each one. The best germination temperature is around 30°C. Thin out to 1-2 plants in each pot and keep them in a light, airy place. Temper the plants before setting them out, which should be when the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost is over. In really warm places it is possible to sow them directly.Spacing
The most suitable mutual distance between plants when winding along the ground is 60-100 cm. Bound up in a green house 40 cm is sufficient. The plant, when bound up, may need support for the fruits.Harvest
The melon is ripe when its gray green colour begins to change to pale yellow over orange and the fruit easily loosens. The Charentais melon should be harvested before over ripening and changing to yellow. The stalk now has fissures close to the hold of the fruit and the full aroma reveals that the melon is ripe. Store it in a cool place.Seed
30-40 seeds/g one portion yields at least 7-8 good seedlings.A portion contains about 10 seeds.
