Some folks concur that the French do it better in regards to cantaloupes. Sweet and juicy, Charentais melons (Cucumis melo “Charantais”) are sensitive fruits, in regards to the size of softballs. To provide them with a try in your backyard, start them following the last spring frost and anticipate your vines to create an initial harvest in about 90 days. Charentais melons develop properly in Sunsetâs Environment Zones 2 to 2 4.
Spread 2 to 3″ of organic matter, like leaf mould or compost, along with the soil in a sunny area that receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight.
Broadcast a full, well-balanced fertilizer, like 101010, on top of the organic matter, utilizing the price indicated on the label.
Work fertilizer and the organic matter to the top 6 to 8″ of soil using tiller, a garden fork or spade.
Form little 2 inch-large mounds which are about 4″ in diameter, spacing the mounds 4-feet apart.
Plant three or four seeds in every hill, burying them 1-inch deep, and protect the hills with one to two inches of a different mulch or straw. Water the hills Always keep keep the soil moist through the growing season as the vines grow.
Harvest fruits when they appear yellow in the bottom and have the scent of cantaloupe. They are going to be about the size of softballs. After harvesting fruits continue to develop on the vines.