Melon - Santa Claus (Seeds)

Description

Heirloom Vegetable. Variety originated in Spain. Named for its long keeping quality, fruit resembles a watermelon at 30 cm (12”) in length by 15 cm (6”) across. Fruit attaining a mature weight of 3 kg (6.8 lb) is not uncommon. Sweet tasting flesh is light green in colour. Due to its thick skin, it does not release a typical melon fragrance.

How to Grow

Start indoors 6 weeks before plant out time in peat or paper pots or in long growing season areas direct sow after soil has warmed to at least 21°C (70°F).

Planting Depth: 2.5 cm (1”). Seeds Per Hill: 6. Thin to: 4 vines/hill. Hill Spacing: 1.5 m (5’)

COMMENTS: Work in lots of compost as melons like an organic, well draining soil. Keep soil evenly moist during active growth but decrease the amount of water as fruit ripens to help prevent rind splitting. Light yellow striped green fruit turns deeper yellow when ripe. The fruit will also slip easily from the vine when ripe. Keep mature fruit in a cool place for longest storage time.