Melon Petit gris de Rennes - Cucumis melo

The Petit Gris de Rennes GRAFTED Heirloom Melon is a productive and resistant variety, producing Charentais melons weighing from 1.1 to 1.3 kg. It is particularly suitable for cultivation in the North of the Loire region. In terms of cooking, the Melon can be enjoyed both as an appetizer and as a dessert! The orange flesh of this variety is sweet and highly fragrant. The plug plants grafted with the Petit Gris de Rennes Heirloom Melon can be planted from April to June, after the last frost, for a harvest from July to September. Grafting allows for a faster and more abundant harvest.

The grafting technique consists of giving a desired variety (in this case, the 'Petit Gris de Rennes') the root system of another specially selected variety, called the rootstock. This rootstock has excellent resistance to soil parasites and diseases, which provides the plant with additional vigor: it then becomes more resistant to difficult external conditions (such as cold climates) and will yield significantly higher than a non-grafted plant. Fruit production on grafted plants starts earlier and lower on the main stem.

The Melon is an annual herbaceous plant, with a creeping habit, belonging 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 can be consumed raw as an appetizer or dessert, but also in sorbets, jams, compotes, or syrups. The small melons removed during thinning and various pruning operations can be pickled, 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 warmth for successful fruiting.

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

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

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