French Heirloom 1787. A rare Heirloom preserved by the Carmelite monks of France who grew them in monastery gardens. Has deep smooth ribs and skin so dark green that it is almost black but ripens to mottled orange. Aromatic flesh that 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.
