"Noir des Carmes Melon" is a French Heirloom from1787. This melon variety is a rare Heirloom preserved by the Carmelite monks of France who grew them in monastery gardens. Noir des Carmes Melon has deep smooth ribs and skin so dark green that it is almost black but ripens to mottled orange. Its aromatic flesh is gently sweet. Grows 2-3 lb fruits. 
 Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
 Plant Life Cycle: annual
 Optimal Germination Temperature: 21C
 Germination time in days: 4-10 days
 Indicative Days to maturity: 80 Days
Sunlight: Full sun
 Soil requirement: humus, well drained and fertile soil
 Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow 1.5 cm deep at 21C soil temperature. Direct sow in a polytunnel after last frost when soil temperature is over 21 °C.