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The different types of melons and their cultivation

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Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 28 January 2021
Update Date: 19 May 2024
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13 Different Types of Melons
Video: 13 Different Types of Melons

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The different types of melons and their cultivation

Muskmelons and watermelons belong botanically to the group of cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae). However, the sugar melons (Cucumis melo) are botanically closer to the cucumbers than the family of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus).

Next article The origin of the melon

Origin and distribution of melons

Basically, according to botanists, the origin of all melon species is somewhere on the African continent.As a prototype of watermelon today is commonly called the so-called tsamma melon, whose representatives are still partially to be found as wild plants in various areas of Africa. In the fact that the fruits of these plants have a relatively bitter pulp and many large seed kernels, the reason for today so widespread distribution of melons around the globe. After all, in earlier centuries, the fruit was used as a reasonably durable food for sailors, since it was possible to consume the seeds roasted or to obtain flour from them. Melons, after an early spread in Egypt, Persia and Asia Minor, also reached the following countries:


Basic requirements for the planting and care of melons

When growing melons in your own garden or in the greenhouse, you should pay attention to the heat and fluid requirements of the plants. Since many types of melons are cultivated in tropical countries and subtropical temperatures in southern countries, you should pay attention in this country to a full sun and sheltered location. In addition, the soil should not be too calcareous and permeable as possible, so there is no formation of waterlogging on the sensitive roots.

The preferring of melons in the house

Actually, all melon species should be preferred for cultivation in Central Europe on the windowsill or in a greenhouse, so that the short summer season can best be used for the care of the plants to the harvest of fully ripe fruits. Just put two to three seeds in a small pot. You can save yourself a great deal of trouble with incoming seedlings if you sow the seeds directly into rotting plant pots. In this way you spare the sensitive roots with the pimicking that goes missing a critical point in their development. The planting should take place from about mid-May, as young melon plants are very sensitive to night frosts. In addition, it is advisable in full sunshine to first get used to the plants grown in the house by the hours of intense sunlight.


Various types of melons at a glance

Basically, a distinction is made between watermelons and sugar melons. Since some types of sugar melons, such as the Charentais melon, produce only fist-sized fruits, these are sometimes also suitable for cultivation on the balcony.

The watermelon and its peculiarities

Among the various types of melon watermelon is one of the melons that are grown here in the field, especially in the field, in the pot or in the greenhouse. While the large variety Crimson Sweet with its fruits weighing up to 15 kilograms is suitable for fueling sunny slopes, the smaller and aromatic sweet Dugar Baby can also be grown well on the balcony or in the greenhouse.

Around the honeydew melon

Honeydew melon is sometimes referred to as "Yellow Canary Island" due to one of its main growing areas and its vibrant color. Fully ripe fruits emit a slightly sweetish scent, which should not be too intrusive, otherwise it is an overripe specimen. The cantaloupe is also grown in the following countries of origin:

The fruits are like all melon varieties only limited shelf life and are often served together with ham as Appetithäppchen.

Other sugar melons and their properties

The sugar melons are basically subdivided into three groups, whereby the group of winter melons distinguishes itself by the fact that their fruits do not ripen after the harvest. Winter melons include melon varieties such as Yellow Canary, Tendral and Piel de Sapo. On the other hand, nettle ripen somewhat after harvest and are characterized by an aromatic scent. The melons include melon varieties such as Honey Dew or the extremely popular Galia melon. As a third subdivision of the sugar melons apply the so-called cantaloupe melons, these include not only the well-known cultivar Charentais from southern France, the plants and fruits of the subspecies Ogen. All sugar melons usually remain in the refrigerator for about three to seven days when cut. However, because of their smaller size, sugar melons are usually easier to consume than watermelons.

Tips & Tricks

Basically, seedlings can also be grown on the windowsill or in your own garden from the seeds of most commercial melon varieties. However, these seeds must first be cleaned of any flesh so that they do not mold before or during the germination phase.

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