Melon cantaloupe: cultivation, description, photo

The fruit with the original name of cantaloupe is nothing more than a kind of melon that everyone knows. It has a characteristic appearance with a grid of bands on the skin and small dimensions (15-20 cm in diameter). It is believed that this plant of the pumpkin family was first exported from Armenia to Europe in the 15th century.

Melon cantaloupe was presented to the head of the Catholic Church as an exquisite dessert. It very much pleased the pope, and he sent to his estate in Cantalupia (commune in Italy now) her seeds for further cultivation. Currently, this is a widely cultivated culture, not only in the Old World, but also in the New World.

Description

This type of melon also occurs on sale under the name of American, musky, Thai. The largest yields are currently collected in Thailand. The plant has a characteristic oval-round fruit with a thick and dense skin with a peculiar net. The length of the melon does not exceed 20 cm on average, the flesh is from yellow to bright orange, sweet, fragrant.

Value of the product

Melon cantaloupe, whose yellow flesh has an incomparable aroma and delicate taste, is a valuable food product. The fruit is famous for its high content of ascorbic acid, which has a beneficial effect on the state of immunity and helps the body cope with viruses and infections. A good melon is also from the point of view of dietetics, since the inosine present in its pulp prevents the formation of cholesterol and the accumulation of fat, and also strengthens the hair. Thai melon (photo above) contains a record amount of carotene, as well as folic acid, B vitamins, fiber.

As a rule, the food is fresh. In addition, melons are used in the preparation of various desserts, vegetable and fruit salads, bakery fillings, jams.

The plant with small but very tasty fruits is of interest not only in terms of industrial cultivation, but also for owners of small farmsteads. This is the only kind of melon that is widely and successfully cultivated throughout Western Europe, including in Russia.

Advantages and disadvantages of culture

First and foremost, melon cantaloupe is an ancestor of almost all European varieties and a close relative of Central Asian. Culture has a number of positive qualities and small flaws:

• Characteristic coarse mesh rind prevents cracking of fruits from excess moisture.
• The plant is perfectly adapted to wet and cool summer.
• Melon cantaloupe ripens 2-3 times faster than Asian varieties.
• The plant is characterized by high resistance to such a disease as powdery mildew - a scourge of melons in a rainy summer.
• The size of cantaloupe is inferior to Asian relatives, it is less aromatic, but still has high taste characteristics.
• For a long time it is not stored, therefore it is recommended for consumption in the first 2-3 weeks after collection, after 1-1.5 months the fruits lose all attractiveness.

Melon cantaloupe: cultivation

Experts advise to choose for planting a separate place from other cultures. It should be well lit and warmed by the sun, without cold drafts and winds. The southern slopes of the site are most optimal in this regard. Thai melon (a photo of fruits is presented in the article) prefers light soils that pass moisture and air well, cultivated and with a neutral reaction of the environment. Preferably autumn application of organic material (compost, manure) for not very deep digging (up to 30 cm), in an amount of 5-6 kg per square meter of area. The plant is hygrophilous and requires abundant systematic waterings.

The melon plantation is carried out directly into the ground or seedlings, the second option being preferred for cold regions. Disembarkation is carried out as soon as the soil warms up well (+ 18 ° C).

Care of melon

The plant is extremely unpretentious, and it can grow not only an experienced gardener, but an absolute beginner. Melon cantaloupe gave rise to many varieties, but the basics of caring for them are all the same. Like all melons, it is very demanding on the level of moisture in the soil, especially in a very arid and hot period.

In spring, after disembarkation, melons should be sheltered if there is a threat of recurrent frosts. Further care consists in weeding, shallow loosening after watering and fertilizing with mineral preparations. Under the ripening fruit, it is necessary to make a lining to protect them from moist soil, as this can lead to decay. In the period of active plant growth, fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers is recommended, and after flowering and at the time of melon formation, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are recommended.

Directly during the ripening period, it is recommended to reduce watering so that they are more aromatic and sweet.

Grades of cantaloupe melon

Currently, cantaloupe melon is not as popular as a few decades ago, but still amateur gardeners now and again turn to the process of its cultivation. However, the selection work is also continuing. The below two varieties are the most promising.

• Iroquois is a new grade of East American cantaloupe. The plant is powerful, with long whips and dark green large leaves. The maturity dates are average. Fruits are clearly segmented with coarse mesh on the skin, oval, weight is on average 1.2-1.7 kg. The content of sugars is 12-13%. Leaving is common for cantaloupe, so the collection of fruits must be made on time, not allowing rash. The plant has a high resistance to disease.
• Blondie is a variety of new breeding with good characteristics. Maturity dates average - 80-85 days from the moment of planting. The hybrid belongs to the famous French Charente sortotype, characterized by high ecological plasticity, that is, the ability to adapt to climatic conditions, humidity level, soil characteristics. The plant is powerful, with long bushy whips. Fruits are small, oblate or oval in shape, weighing up to 600 g, do not have a characteristic net on the skin, segmented. Bright orange pulp has a sweet taste and a pronounced flavor. The variety is resistant to root rot.

It is impossible not to mention the varieties of cantaloupe, which were most widely spread in the 1950s: Prescott is common, warty and thin-skinned, Carmelite, Best early English, Parisian.