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Melonology™ - Urban Farmer's Guide


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Melonology
Technically, melons are categorized as vegetables. They have separate male and female flowers on each plant and they need plenty of space upwards of 8 feet to grow and vine. The melon has many different types and varieties that have many unique flavors. Most gardeners are familiar with the two most common varieties: muskmelons (cantaloupes) and watermelons. More and more exotic melons keep showing up every year! Melons tend to produce between 2 and 5 pound vegetables while watermelons can run all the way up to 35 pounds!

Muskmelon: The round, netted, tan colored, orange flesh fruits you see at your local grocery store are sold as 'cantaloupes'. However, true cantaloupes are tropical fruits that grow in exotic locations tend to have green flesh and hard skins that are rarely seen in this country. One of the most popular varieties in our country is the 'Hales Best', which matures in approximately 85 days and produces a mouth watering orange flesh.

Watermelon: Watermelons grow larger than cantaloupes and tend to have a more smooth outside skin. The flesh takes on a pink-red color that is very refreshing on a hot summer day. The seedless watermelon variety may germinate more slowly than other varieties, especially in cooler regions. A great watermelon variety is 'Sugar baby' which matures in approximately 75 days and produces a round, compact variety that can reach up to 12 pounds.

Specialty Melons: The Honeydew is a sweet, juicy melon with a smooth tan skin and pale green flesh; unlike other melons, it doesn't continue to ripen off the vine. These melons store much longer than regular muskmelons.