Cucumis melo Golden Ball

Cucumis melo 'Golden Ball', also known as Golden Perfection, is a rare and ancient variety. It has a normal growth rate, but it ripens slowly, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a winter melon. This melon produces spherical fruits, averaging 1.2 kg, with a beautiful golden yellow colour. Underneath its smooth and thick skin, it contains pale green to salmon-pink flesh that is sweet and fragrant with a hint of pineapple. Sow the seeds from mid-March to mid-May for a harvest from late July to October.

The melon is a compact fruit that is round or oblong with a smooth, ribbed or reticulated skin. The juicy flesh can be green, white, yellow, or orange, and surrounds a central cavity filled with seeds. It is commonly consumed raw as an appetiser or sweet dessert, as well as in sorbets, jams, compotes, or syrup. The small melons removed during thinning and pruning can be pickled in vinegar with herbs. Melons are hydrating, refreshing, and diuretic. They are reputed to be rich in trace elements and vitamins B and C in particular. Orange-fleshed varieties also contain vitamin A (the famous carotene).

They are annual creeping herbaceous plants, with female flowers distinguished from male flowers by their inferior ovary (under the flower), resembling an embryo of a fruit. They are located on the secondary or tertiary branches of each plant and will develop into the fruit. As for the male flowers, they always appear in the axils of the leaves on the main stem.

Harvest: unlike "classic" melons, this variety will not give you any obvious signs of ripeness: no characteristic odour or detached stem. At best, you may notice a few drops of sap at the stem attachment. You will have to rely on its bright yellow appearance to know when to harvest it. However, even if picked a little too early, it will still offer a pleasant but slightly acidic flavour.

Storage: an uncut melon can be stored for up to 5 days in a dry and airy place. Rest it on racks, for example. If it has been cut open or has been damaged, you can freeze it. Remove the skin and central seeds, then cut it into pieces and moisten it with the juice of a lemon before placing in the freezer.

Gardener's tip: place a slate tile under the fruit to block direct contact with the ground. This avoids rotting from excess moisture. Mulch around the plants, especially during the height of summer, as melon plants like moist soil.

Melons are highly susceptible to powdery mildew (a fungal disease that leaves a white powdery coating on the surface of the leaves). Be careful not to water the leaves or flowers.

Melons are nutrient-demanding fruits. They belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, like cucumbers, watermelons, and squash, etc. This family are notorious for depleting the nutrients in the soil. Therefore, it is advisable not to grow this type of fruit in the same location, or consecutively, in order to avoid excessively depleting the soil.

Organic or "AB" seeds are derived from plants grown in organic agriculture (without the use of phytosanitary products). They undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are suitable for organic market gardening.