Imagine cutting into a large melon, with the typical cantaloupe webbing, and bold green stripes running along the melon. Imagine as you cut the melon the wonderful sweet aroma of cantaloupe wafts up and tickles your nose. Imagine scooping out the seeds, cutting the melon into slices, and then picking up a slice, as your mouth waters. You open your mouth, take a bite, and the sweet juiciness of the fruit rolls over your tongue.
This is what I experienced with the first Tuscan Melon I ever had. I am pretty fussy about cantaloupe, and when I discovered the Tuscan Melon, I not only thought it was the best cantaloupe that I have ever tasted, it was one I just had to grow! So last year, I took the seeds, I rinsed them really well and let them dry. Then I packaged them for use for planting for this year.
These plants began in the greenhouse and have done really well in my garden. A couple of friends of mine, Patti and Jeff, took one of my seedlings, planted it, have been watching it grow and the fruit develop, and this morning they were able to enjoy one of the many from their plant! They said the melon was extraordinarily sweet!
Ready for some interesting facts about this melon? I was amazed to discover that this fruit is actually a member of the cucumber family as a lot of melons and squash or gourds are. This melon is the true cantaloupe. It belongs to the muskmelon family and has thick fleshy walls, with the typical fibers and seed mass in the center.
The plant actually sets male flowers before the female flowers and they rely on bees for pollination.
It is the female flower that sets the fruit. It spreads rapidly and when properly pollinated puts out a lot of fruit! The fruit is high in vitamin A and C. When the melon is ready to pick it will literally fall off the vine!Always wash this melon before cutting into it! Stay tuned for a post on my harvesting of this lovely melon!
can The Tuscan Melon grow on a trellis? Thanks, Keith
You can certainly try growing them on trellises! They are an amazing fruit and a lovely addition to your breakfast table!
Hi Barb,
Writing from a McDonalds in the south of France. We just bought one of those in the local market. Will be having it after the barbecued fish this evening.
Life is good.
Best,
Conor
Life is good Conor! I love the South of France! I had a 10 day adventure there with my folks…we were centered in Villefranche Sur Mer. Have a good time!
Looks great, hope you can harvest soon.