The Luneville melon is a forgotten heritage cantaloup variety originating from France that is making a come back. The Luneville cantaloup melon is an early variety that will do well in short summer seasons. It produces round fruits weighing between 1 to 4 kg with a marbled black and dark green skin which turn light yellow when mature. The thick flesh is orange, sweet, fragrant and juicy. This melon does not store well and it is advised to eat it quickly.

Scientific Name: Cucumis melo

Plant Life Cycle: annual

Optimal Germination Temperature: 21C

Germination time in days: 4-10 days

Indicative Days to maturity: 85-120 days

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil requirement: humus, well drained and fertile soil

Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 6-4 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 21C.