Melon Charentais Santon plants - Cucumis melo

The 'Santon' Melon is a particularly early variety, perfect for cultivation outside of the Midi region. The plant produces Charentais Cantaloup-type melons, round and weighing about 1kg, with smooth skin and excellent tasting orange flesh. In terms of cuisine, melons can be consumed both as an appetizer and as a dessert! The young plants of the 'Santon' melon are planted from April to June, after the last frost, for a harvest from July to September. They require pruning in order to bear fruit.

The melon is an annual creeping herbaceous plant, 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. In the 18th century, the Cantaloupe-type melon appeared in Armenia, corresponding to the current Charentais type. It was cultivated near Rome in the Pope's pleasure house, called Canta Lupi, which gave it its name Cantaloupe. Its round fruits weigh 0.5 to 1.5kg, their skin is light green, slightly yellowing when ripe. The surface is marked by 9 to 12 ribs separated by dark green furrows. It is said to be "sliced".

It can be eaten raw as an appetizer or dessert, but also in sorbets, jams, compotes or syrup. 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 need a nutrient-rich soil and plenty of heat for a good fruiting.

Harvest: The melon is ready to be harvested when it emits a sweet smell and a small crack appears around the stem. Cut it with secateurs. The harvest 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 a shock, you can freeze it (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 peak of summer, to keep the soil cool.