Cucumis melo Mango

Cucumis melo 'Mango', also known as vine peach, is an ancient Chinese variety that had its moment of glory in the United States in the 1880s. It bears small, slightly oval yellow fruits that are about the size of a large peach (5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in diameter). They are highly appreciated for making preserved fruits or pies, as well as pickled preserves. The white flesh of this melon is both sweet and slightly acidic, with a pleasant peachy note. The fruits keep well. Sow the seeds from mid-March to mid-May for a harvest 70 to 80 days later.

The melon is a round, oblong or long fruit 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 and seasoning.

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.

Harvesting: unlike "classic" melons, this variety will not give you a clear signal of ripeness: no characteristic odour or detached peduncle. At best, you will notice a few drops of sap at the peduncle attachment. You will have to rely on its appearance, an intense yellow colour, to know when to harvest it. However, if picked a little too early, it will still offer a pleasant but slightly acidic flavour.

Storage: an unopened 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 farming (without the use of phytosanitary products). They undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are suitable for organic market gardening.