Description
The melons produce very small seed cavities, saving the extra space for more delectable flesh! And they arise very abundantly on vigorous vines with great tolerance of Powdery Mildew. A reliable favorite that will turn you away from store-bought cantaloupes forever! Set out 18 inches apart with 4 feet between each row, or plant in hills 4 feet apart, with 2 to 3 plants per hill. Cantaloupes are ready to harvest when the stem slips easily from the fruit with slight pressure.Keep well watered while plants are growing; keep on the dry side as fruit is ripening to improve sweetness and flavor. Excess moisture during the 3 weeks prior to harvest gives melons a bland, watery taste. Mulch with black plastic to conserve moisture, eliminate weeds, and speed harvesting. Fertilize prior to planting and again every 4 weeks. Some varieties are early maturing, making it possible to grow them where the growing season is short This vine sprawls 8-10 feet along the ground and bears Muskmelon (what is incorrectly called Cantaloupe—a fruit that is not grown in the United States) and Honeydew Melon. Muskmelon (Reticulatus Group) is round or oval, the skin is ribbed and net-patterned, and the flesh is orange or musky. Honeydew (Inodorus Group) is round, smooth-skinned, and with a light green flesh. Harvest Muskmelon when the stem slips easily from the fruit with a slight pressure; harvest Honeydew when the skin turns pale yellow or tan (the stem may not slip easily). After 33 years, we say good-bye to popular Ball 1776 and welcome this improved variety. About 1 week earlier to fruit and more disease resistant, Ball 2076 continues to boast a very sweet flavor; thick, orange flesh; and good performance in all areas. Heavily netted with slight sutures.
