FRUIT-INDIAN CREAM-MELON
$3.50
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Cucumis melo
FRUIT-INDIAN CREAM-MELON is one of the more unusual melons. It produces elongated fruit with smooth yellow-white skin, that splits open and peels back resembling a 'Cobra' hood when it is ripe. The flesh is dry with a distinctive aroma, sweet taste and creamy texture. Suitable as a flavour base for home-made ice-cream and delicious with ice-cream and honey. Sow Spring ~ Summer and all year in the tropics.
Space seeds 50 cm apart. Space rows 130 cm apart. Likes rich well-drained soil. Add lime to achieve pH. Water the roots to prevent mildew. And don't overwater.
SKU: FRIC-M
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How to grow Indian Cream Melon
- Choose the Right Location in well drained soil, full sun 21-32°C (70-90°F) for 6 - 8 hours a day.
- Prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
- Soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 6.8. as Indian Cream Melons prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.Plant seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. S
- Sow the seeds 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep after the last frost day in Spring.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge, but do not overwater. Deep water once a week especially during dry spells. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent mildew
- Once the seedlings have two true leaves, thin them to leave the strongest plants.
- Space the Indian Cream Melon plants about 90-120 cm (36-48 inches) apart in rows that are 180-240 cm (72-96 inches) apart.
- Train the melon vines to grow on a trellis or a fence to keep the fruit off the ground and prevent rot. Fertilise with a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser when they begin to vine. Repeat the application every 3-4 weeks.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can result in lush foliage but fewer fruits.
- Indian Cream Melons are senstive to cold temperatures so protect the plants from late spring frosts by covering them with a frost blanket.
- Harvest at around 80 - 100 days after planting when the stem separates from the vine or gently twist the melon off the vine. The fruit should have a creamy-yellow colour and sweet fragrance. when harvesting.
Heritage of Indian Cream Melon
Indian Cream Melon, also known as Kharbuja, is believed to have originated in India, hence the name. Its cultivation has been passed down through generations and thus is deeply rooted in traditional agriculture, cultural and culinary practices. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, it is known for its creamy texture, sweet flavour, and aromatic fragrance. Today, gardeners and farmers continue to preserve and propagate this heritage, celebrating the unique qualities of Indian Cream Melon.| Plant Height | 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) |
|---|---|
| Season of Interest | Summer |
| Temperature Range | 21 - 32°C (70-90°F) |
| Annual / Perennial / Biennial | Annual |
| Frost Hardy / Tender | Tender |
| Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade | Full Sun |
| Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings | Can be done both ways |
| Seed Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Sowing Depth | 2.5 cm (1 in ch) |
| Plant Spacing | 90-120 cm (36-48 inches) |
| Row Spacing | 180-240 cm (72-96 inches) |
| Watering | Consistent moisture, deep watering once a week |
| Good Companion Plants | Corn, Nasturtium, Marigold, Radish, Basil |
| Bad Companion Plants | Potatoes, Cucumbers |
| Pests | Aphids, Spider Mites, Cucumber Beetles, Whiteflies |
| Diseases | Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Anthracnose |
FRUIT-INDIAN CREAM-MELON
$3.50
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