Melon
In Italy an outdoor summer crop; in Britain only worth trying with glass, heat and a sunny summer.
Care
Full sun and heat; in cool climates a greenhouse or cold frame.
Medium-high while growing; reduce watering as fruit ripens for better flavour, and keep water off the stem base.
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Pinch out the growing tip after five leaves to get side shoots; allow three or four fruits per plant and stop each fruiting shoot two leaves beyond the fruit.
A high-potash feed every week once fruits are the size of a walnut.
From seed sown on edge in pots with warmth (at least 18-20°C).
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilSow in individual pots with bottom heat. how ›
- JunePinch out the tip and train side shoots. how ›
- JulyHand-pollinate female flowers on the same day if insects can't reach them.
- AugustReduce watering as fruits ripen; support fruit in nets under glass. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilSow in individual pots with bottom heat. how ›
- JunePinch out the tip and train side shoots. how ›
- JulyHand-pollinate female flowers on the same day if insects can't reach them.
- AugustReduce watering as fruits ripen; support fruit in nets under glass. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchSow in individual pots with bottom heat. how ›
- JunePinch out the tip and train side shoots. how ›
- JulyHand-pollinate female flowers on the same day if insects can't reach them.
- AugustReduce watering as fruits ripen; support fruit in nets under glass. how ›
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchSow in individual pots with bottom heat. how ›
- JunePinch out the tip and train side shoots. how ›
- JulyHand-pollinate female flowers on the same day if insects can't reach them.
- AugustReduce watering as fruits ripen; support fruit in nets under glass. how ›
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Collar rots and the plant collapses.
What to do. Plant on a slight mound and keep the stem base dry.
How to spot it. White coating on leaves.
What to do. Ventilate; water the roots, not the leaves.
How to spot it. Flowers fall.
What to do. Hand-pollinate several females on the same day.
Questions
Melon: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Possible in large pots or grow bags under glass.
Melon: when do you prune it?
Pinch out the growing tip after five leaves to get side shoots; allow three or four fruits per plant and stop each fruiting shoot two leaves beyond the fruit. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in June.
Melon: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in June–August.
When do you feed it?
A high-potash feed every week once fruits are the size of a walnut. Feeding months, UK: June–August.