Grafted Melon Cyrano F1 plants - Cucumis melo

The 'Cyrano' F1 Melon is an excellent hybrid variety of cantaloupe melon. It is of market garden quality, very early, robust and easy to grow. In the vegetable garden, it stands out for its high productivity, resistance to diseases and heat, as well as the taste quality of its fruits. This melon produces fruits weighing approximately 1 kg, with a greyish, embroidered skin, containing a beautiful flesh that is firm, fragrant and sweet, making it equally enjoyable as an appetizer or dessert. It also keeps very well and does not require pruning.

The 'Cyrano' F1 Melon plug plants can be planted from April to June, after the last frost, for a harvest from July to September. Grafting allows for a quicker and more abundant harvest.

The grafting technique involves giving a desired variety (in this case, 'Cyrano') the root system of another specially selected variety, known as the rootstock. This rootstock has excellent resistance to soil parasites and diseases (particularly fusarium wilt), which provides the plant with greater vigor: it is then more resistant to challenging external conditions (such as cold climates) and will yield a higher crop than a non-grafted plant.

The Melon is an annual herbaceous plant that creeps and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a round or elongated fruit with a smooth, ribbed or reticulated skin. The very watery flesh can be green, white, yellow or orange.

It is consumed raw as an appetizer or dessert, but can also be used in sorbets, jams, compotes or syrups. The small melons removed during thinning and various pruning can be prepared as pickles, marinated in vinegar and accompanied by herbs. Refreshing and diuretic, melon is rich in trace elements and vitamins A, B, and C.

Melons require a nutrient-rich soil and plenty of heat for successful fruiting.

Harvesting: The melon is ready to be harvested when it emits a sweet smell and a small crack appears around the stem. Cut it with pruning shears. Harvesting takes place from approximately July to September.

Storage: Melons can be stored for a few days (up to 5 days) in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as on racks. If it has been cut or has suffered an impact, you can freeze it (cut the flesh into pieces and moisten it with lemon juice).

Gardener's tip: Place a slate or tile under the fruit. It will no longer be in direct contact with the ground, thus preventing it from rotting due to moisture. Also, consider mulching around the plants, especially during the height of summer, to keep the soil cool.