KAJARI MELON SEEDS

Cucumis melo

Though they seem exotic to American eyes, these melons are among the most common kharbooja in India. Brilliantly striped with orange and green, the ripe fruits are incredibly fragrant with sweet juicy flesh that is pale green or sherbet orange. Both fantastic. Even more impressive is that they ripen as early as Minnesota Midget. Tolerant of cool misty nights and clay soils. Easy in northern gardens that see at least a few weeks of hot summer weather. Very productive and relatively compact vines. Worth trying in containers.

These seeds may be sown directly into warm sunny soils in spring after all danger of frost has passed, or started indoors around four weeks before transplanting. Tuck seeds about one half inch beneath the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Cover with plastic. Kept warm (around 80°F) and moist in bright light seeds germinate within days. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual deep pots or cells at warm temperatures in bright light. Harden off before transplanting into warm fertile soil in full sun and mulch generously. Fertilize weekly with dilute seaweed and fish emulsions until vines begin to bloom, after which water only if absolutely necessary. The fragrant vines were a favorite of our local voles and bunnies and the plants may require special attention and protection if you are likewise plagued by these monsters.

Fruits are ripe when they develop vibrant hues, which can occasionally happen overnight after a particularly hot sunny day. Some fruits slipped easily from the vine but others did not and when we harvested everything in haste before a frost it seemed like every melon with color was actually ripe after all. These small brightly striped melons would be perfect for market sales but do not hold as long as common netted varieties. Best eaten within days of harvest.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 15 seeds.