Melon Seeds - Charentais

Seed Count: 10 Seeds
Maturity: 75-90 Days from Planting
Growth Habit: Vigorous, sprawling vines with lush foliage.
Fruit Characteristics: Small, round melons with smooth, pale green to tan skin and vibrant orange, sweet, and fragrant flesh.
Flavor Profile: Exceptionally sweet with a rich, tropical aroma and honey-like taste.
Uses: Perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, desserts, or as a flavorful addition to charcuterie boards.
Plant Type: Warm-season annual; thrives in sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing Conditions: Requires full sun, warm temperatures, and fertile, well-draining soil.

History & Heritage:
The Charentais Melon is a traditional French heirloom variety that has been cultivated for over a century. Known for its unparalleled sweetness and fragrance, this melon originated in the Charentes region of France and quickly gained fame for its gourmet quality. Revered by chefs and food enthusiasts, the Charentais Melon has become a symbol of sophistication in both gardens and kitchens worldwide.

Culinary Versatility:
Charentais Melons are a gourmet delight, prized for their intensely sweet flavor and juicy, fragrant flesh. Enjoy them fresh as a simple, refreshing treat, or add them to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. Pair their rich, tropical taste with prosciutto, soft cheeses, or honey for an elegant appetizer. Their vibrant orange color and exquisite aroma make them a standout addition to any table.

Planting & Growth Tips:
Growing Charentais Melons is rewarding, producing fruit with unmatched flavor and fragrance. Follow these tips for successful cultivation:

• Planting: Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost or sow directly into the garden when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in hills, with 3-4 plants per hill, and allow ample room for vines to sprawl.
• Soil: Use well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Maintain a soil pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Sunlight: Provide full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during fruit development, but avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Reduce watering as fruit ripens to concentrate sweetness.
• Care: Fertilize regularly with a balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering and fruiting. Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvesting: Harvest melons when they emit a sweet aroma, the skin changes to a light tan color, and the stem easily separates from the fruit with gentle pressure.

Why Grow Charentais Melons?
Charentais Melons are a must-have for gardeners and food lovers seeking a truly exceptional fruit. Their sweet, fragrant flesh and gourmet reputation set them apart from other melons, making them a standout addition to your garden and your table. Easy to grow and incredibly rewarding, these melons bring the taste of French sophistication to your summer harvest. Grow Charentais Melons for a flavorful and aromatic experience you’ll treasure.