WE’RE REALLY PUSHING MOTHER NATURE TO GROW MELONS WHERE WE LIVE. Some years mother nature gives in and allows us a few beauties, and other years – like last year – she doesn’t provide a single one. There’s a word for people like Mother Nature, but we’re not going to piss her off this early in the season.
God, we love melons. It’s impossible to buy a good melon. And even if one finds the perfect cantaloup at the store, it’s still just a plain ole’ orange melon. There are so many other melons in the world more worthy of tasting. Just check out Amy Goldman’s “Melons for the Passionate Grower” to salivate over the immense variety. And they have such unique histories, as well.
Thomas Jefferson was America’s first and foremost horticulturist as well as being the United States third president – holding office during the years The Beekman Mansion was built. Jefferson grew many varieties of watermelon at Monticello, as did Henry David Thoreau at his home. Mark Twain wrote in “Puddn’head Wilson”: “The true southern watermelon is a boon apart and not to be mentioned with commoner things. It is chief of this world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.”
Obviously, we’re not alone in celebrating the magnificent melon. Below are the varieties we’re trying this year (wish us luck.) We’re particularly interested in any tips northern gardeners may have to help us out. Please share your wisdom in the comment section below.
PRESCOTT FOND BLANC MELON – A very unusual French heirloom melon, documented before 1850. With deep ribs and warty grey-green skin that turns straw colored when ripe, the flesh is salmon orange, incredibly sweet, and unbelievably fragrant.
QUEEN ANNE’S POCKET MELON – These tiny striped melons turn orange and yellow when ripe. While edible, they are nearly tasteless, and instead were cultivated to be carried in ladies’ pockets for their heavily perfumed scent.
ROCKY FORD MELON – Also known as Eden Gem, this melon was developed in 1881 by J.W. Eastwood in Colorado. It is a descendant of Green Nutmeg and Burpee’s Netted Gem. Spherical fruits, 2 3 lb. have dark green skin flecked with yellowish bronze. Flesh is green, juicy, with sweet flavor. Does well in the north.
CHARANTAIS MELON – A French heirloom. Smooth, round cantaloupe matures to pale yellow with green stripes with salmon flesh. Superb flavor and fragrance.
GREEN NUTMEG MELON – This is a very old melon, described by Burr in 1863 as a variety that had already been in cultivation for a long time. Melons are small, 2 lb., with a flattened oval shape. Skin is yellowish brown, flecked with green. Flesh is light green. Very sweet, spicy flavor and aromatic. Produces early, so is good for northern climates.
HONEY ROCK MELON – Also known as Sugar Rock, this melon was developed by F.W. Richardson near Hicksville, Ohio before 1920. Vigorous plants produce numerous 3 4 lb. spherical, ribbed fruits with gray green skin which turns creamy yellow at maturity. Flesh is salmon orange and very sweet. Resistant to fusarium wilt. Excellent producer in northern gardens.
SUGAR BABY WATERMELON – This plant is ideal where space is limited. Compact plants produce many small round 10 lb. fruits approximately 7 in. in diameter. The rind is greenish black. Flesh is red and very sweet.
KLECKLEY’S SWEET WATERMELON – Introduced before 1900, this melon is also known as “Monte Christo” and “Wonder Melon.” Flesh is deep red, and very sweet.
GEORGIA RATTLESNAKE WATERMELON – This is an old Southern favorite, that is becoming difficult to find. Plants produce large, oblong fruits 22 in. long and 10 in. in diameter with average weight of 25 30 lb. Rind is pale green with dark green, irregular, snakeskin striping. Flesh is rose red and sweet. Seeds are white with black tips.
