Who doesn't love melons? Sweet, juicy, healthy, they are suitable for consumption even for diabetics, and their composition improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and has a general strengthening effect on the body. Melons can be included in high-calorie desserts, or they can supplement the diet for dietary meals. Unfortunately, melons are available to residents of the middle and northern latitudes of Russia only at the end of summer, therefore they are especially appreciated for their seasonality. But the Uzbek expanses are famous for the widespread cultivation of melons and are considered the birthplace of this berry.
Ordinary melon lovers who buy them in late September - early August do not attach much importance to species and varieties. They know that there are elongated fruits, and there are round ones, but they rarely wonder why melons have different flesh colors, different shapes and different tastes. However, gardeners who grow melons themselves know that there are at least several dozen varieties of this berry. We will consider only a few of them, the most popular.
General characteristics of varieties
Melons were originally grown exclusively in warm Asian countries. But over time, this one-year-old herbaceous vine migrated to the cool Russian climate. Through the efforts of breeders, new varieties have been obtained that are capable of yielding tasty, sweet and juicy fruits even in climatic conditions that are unusual for them.
Today, many varieties are known with early, late and medium ripening periods, suitable for cultivation in a wide variety of conditions.
Melon storage conditions
Early and some mid-season varieties do not store for a long time, they are immediately eaten. Late and mid-season varieties are stored for up to 6 months.
For storage fruits are removed from the bush together with a stalk at least 30 cm long... The fruits are harvested in the morning or evening. After that, they leave for 3-4 days on the site, periodically turning over. Then they are stored in a cool, disinfected place, preferably suspended, with an air humidity of no more than 80% and a temperature of + 2 ... + 3 ° C.
Attention! Melons should not be kept next to apples and potatoes.
Early maturing varieties with names
Melons with an early ripening period grow well and ripen even in cool climates with abundant rainfall and lack of sunlight. The variety of varieties allows you to select plants with different shapes and colors of fruits, as well as taste and aroma.
Caramel F1
This hybrid was originally bred for industrial cultivation, but over time, ordinary gardeners also liked it. The advantage of Caramel lies in the rapid ripening of the fruit. After 1.5-2 weeks after the formation of ovaries, you can already feast on ripe and tasty melons. In addition, the plant has high yields and disease resistance. It withstands abrupt weather changes.
Altai
The Altayskaya variety was bred specifically for cultivation in unfavorable climatic conditions. The plant tolerates sudden changes in temperature, yields a crop even with high humidity. The weight of the fruit reaches 2.5 kg, the pulp is sweet and very aromatic. Up to 20 kg of melons are removed from each square meter.
It is recommended to use them to strengthen the immune system and normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.
Cinderella
The plant tolerates temperature extremes, is highly resistant to pests and pathogens. Of the shortcomings, gardeners note that the taste of the fruit is not too sweet, even a slight sourness is noted. The harvested crop is poorly stored.
Story
The variety is valued for the amicable ripening of the crop in all weather conditions, as well as the compactness of the bushes. Melons taste great. They can be used both for fresh consumption and for the preparation of preservation, processing.
Aikido F1
An unpretentious hybrid suitable for growing in the middle lane. Differs in increased resistance to fungal diseases. The fruits are fragrant and sweet. Even true gourmets will love their taste.
Early-133
Melon forms small fruits with sweet and aromatic pulp that ripen even in adverse weather conditions. The plant is resistant to diseases, little susceptible to pests. The harvested crop can be transported and used for any kind of processing.
Growing torpedo melon and caring for it
As noted in this article, the Torpedo variety prefers the hottest climates. Therefore, for planting, it is important to choose areas of land that are fully illuminated by the sun. But at the same time, these places must be protected from cold gusts of wind. For those who live in temperate latitudes or in areas with a cooler climate, the plant must be grown in greenhouses.
Since the roots of the torpedo melon are short, then for the plant it is necessary to dig up the soil to a depth of about twenty centimeters. Before planting, do not forget to introduce humus and peat into the soil.
Attention:
if the plant is planted in a greenhouse, then you need to prepare a mixture of soil in advance, which should consist of black soil, peat and humus. Also, the mixture must include minerals.
Iridescent melon seeds should be planted two centimeters deep. In order for large fruits to be obtained in the future, the plants need to be planted at a distance of one and a half meters, so they will not interfere with each other. Torpedo melon seeds can be purchased at any botanical store.
If you decide to grow Torpedo melon at home, then this should be done with the help of seedlings. The ripening period of the fruits is late, so if you want the fruits to ripen early, then you need to plant a plant in a pot at the beginning of the spring period (March). The full maturity of the fruits occurs only after three months. The vegetable should ripen at home at room temperature (23 degrees Celsius)
Advice:
do not forget that young melon "does not like" transplanting, and adaptation takes place over a long period of time. Therefore, planting should take place in containers for single use, from which young shoots can easily be taken along with the soil.
In order to successfully grow melons, you only need to follow a certain algorithm of actions:
- Before the young melon has grown lashes, the soil cover must be loosened between the rows.
- The watering schedule for the plant is varied. But after planting, watering should be constant and abundant. During the flowering period of this variety, it should be watered much less often. And when the fruits of the melon ripen, watering is needed only at the moment when the earth is completely dry.
- Once a month (as often as possible) it is important to feed the plant. You need to feed the melon with a bark.
- At times, the elimination of weak and unnecessary lashes must occur. On one bush, five or six of the largest and strongest lashes should be left, and the other ovaries should simply be removed.
- In the fall, when digging should take place, the soil must be fertilized. This can be done with ordinary manure. Other mineral fertilizers are also suitable.
Additionally:
you can make the installation of trellises. Thanks to such a supporting structure, the Uzbek torpedo melon will receive the sunlight and heat necessary for growth. This will help the fruit gain a lot of weight. Also, this variety can ripen at home. Ripening occurs within two weeks.
Mid-season melons with a description
If the climate permits, then you can plant melons with an average ripening period. They are distinguished by excellent taste, transportability, suitability for storage. In addition, this technique will allow you to extend the timing of harvesting and eating fresh fruits.
Collective farmer
Among the advantages of the variety are resistance to temperature extremes, immunity to diseases, immunity to pests. Melons are fragrant, sweet, suitable for processing. The disadvantage is the unsuitability of the fruit for long-term storage.
See also
Description of Sweet Caramel Melon, Seedling Growing and Hybrid Pest Control
To read
Amal F1
Amal is distinguished not only by good immunity to common diseases, but also by the impressive size of the fruits. The weight of one of them reaches 4 kg, and up to 25 kg of the crop is removed from each square meter of the garden. The taste is honey, the aroma is strong.
Lada
Fruits are small in size, juicy, aromatic, sweet. Melon is characterized by resistance to pests and diseases, as well as the ability to produce crops even in adverse climatic conditions.
Galileo F1
The variety is resistant to low temperatures, which makes it possible to cultivate it even in the northern regions of our country. The plant is resistant to disease. The crop is suitable for transportation and long-term storage.
Ethiopian
Due to its transportability, strong aroma and excellent taste, this melon has won the love of gardeners. Fruit weight reaches 5 kg, its shape is oval. To increase yields and taste, it is recommended to grow Ethiopka only through seedlings.
Mabel F1
An unusual striped melon with a green skin color. Fruits are medium in size, oval. Differs in suitability for transportation and long-term storage, the sugar content in the pulp is about 15%.
Pumpkin-like melon varieties
Of the unusual types of melons, pumpkin-like varieties are distinguished. Some of them even have a characteristic flavor.
Ethiopian
The variety was bred in Russia. Ethiopian has excellent transportability. The fruits are round oval... The peel is orange or yellow, covered with a fine mesh. The pulp is oily, light honey in color, with a pronounced honey aroma. Fruits can reach 7 kg.
Melon "Ethiopian"
Galileo F1
Resistant to low temperatures... The skin of the fruit is light orange, dense, with vertical dark green stripes. The pulp is fragrant, greenish-white. Fruit weight - up to 1.5 kg.
Ribbed melon
Fruits are large, ribbed, somewhat "plump", of a pale green or yellow hue with orange elements. The pulp is juicy and crunches. The maximum fruit weight is 5 kg.
What are the late varieties
If the climate permits, then gardeners are engaged in the cultivation of late varieties of melons. The fruits are distinguished by long shelf life, excellent taste and long ripening period, which allows to extend the harvest period.
Torpedo
When cultivating torpedoes in greenhouses, the mass of fruits reaches 15 kg, and in the open field only 6 kg. The dense skin ensures long-term storage and transportability.
Wintering
The variety is characterized by increased resistance to low temperatures. The plant is powerful, forms a spreading bush. Fruits are small, characterized by juicy and very sweet green pulp, stored for a long time.
A pineapple
This variety was bred for cultivation in warm climatic zones, therefore in other regions it is grown exclusively in greenhouse conditions.The plant is resistant to disease. The fruit has a pink sweet pulp and a pleasant aroma.
Golden
The variety was bred relatively recently and is actively cultivated in the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory. You can grow plants not only in the open field, but also in a greenhouse. They are distinguished by increased immunity to diseases and pests.
Kiwi
An unusual ribbed melon that attracts attention not only by its name, but also by its unusual green skin. The sweet juicy pulp is of the same color. Gardeners note that the taste of kiwi is felt in the fruits.
Melon Disease Torpedo
The torpedo melon variety, like other varieties, can be subject to certain diseases. Due to these diseases, the melon bears a small amount of fruit. And many bacterial or viral diseases can lead to the death of a plant.
The most common disease of the Torpedo cultivar is powdery mildew. The main symptom of the disease is the appearance of a white-gray bloom on parts of the plant (leaves, stem). Those parts that have become infected with powdery mildew die off in a short period of time. Because of this, the process of fruit ripening is suspended. Moisturizing the soil will help prevent the constant development of powdery mildew.
The disease is the cucumber mosaic virus. Often melons and gourds suffer from this disease. This disease can cut the expected yield in half. In addition, there is a deterioration in the quality of the Torpedo variety. Signs of this disease: a strong change in the shape of the leaves, growth arrest, the appearance of a mosaic color, the death of the whips. The solution to the problem is also to eliminate the affected parts of the plant.
Advice:
melon can be grafted onto a pumpkin. Thanks to this, the fruits of the melon will become the most resistant to various environmental factors, including diseases. It is necessary to plant a torpedo melon on a pumpkin ten days after germination. Pumpkin grafting is a fairly common phenomenon when growing this variety.
European
European countries have their own climatic features, which are not suitable for all varieties of melons.
Augen
Mid-season variety represented by Israeli breeders. Differs in increased productivity. The crop is suitable for processing, conservation, transportation and storage.
Banana melon
Outwardly, the fruits of this variety are similar to large cucumbers. This is confirmed by the oblong shape and green color. Banana melon is only suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
Cantaloupe
Melon bushes of this variety densely cover the surface of the soil. The weight of the fruit directly depends on the growing conditions. Eating Cantaloupe has a beneficial effect on digestion and also helps to improve the functioning of the immune system, as it contains a large number of nutrients.
Why mold melons
The culture has a special structure: fruiting flowers are formed on the lateral lashes. Along with this, no fruits emerge on the main stem. In order for the lateral shoots to develop fully, the plant can be helped. Within the framework of which, seedlings are pinched at the seedling stage. Next, the adult lashes are pinched. Thus, the set fruits will be provided with the maximum amount of nutrients, moisture and microelements. Otherwise, they will turn out to be small, tasteless, or never ripen at all.
Central Asian
Central Asian varieties of melons are incredible taste and suitability for long distance transportation.
Walking
The variety, famous since Soviet times, has an unforgettable taste. The pulp is dense, the shape of the fruit is ovoid. Has a strong classic aroma.
Kassaba
A late-ripening variety, the ripening of the fruits of which occurs after collecting them from the garden. Melons gain sweetness only after a couple of months of storage. Immediately after harvesting from the bush, their taste resembles a cucumber.
Khandalyak
This variety can be tasted exclusively in Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan. The fruits are poorly preserved and cannot tolerate transportation. In hot weather, chilled fruits are excellent thirst quenchers.
Kirkagach long
Turkish melon does not have a strong aroma, but its tender and juicy pulp is very similar to watermelon. Suitable for growing not only in the open field, but also in the greenhouse. The fruits tolerate transportation well and are suitable for storage.
Obi novvot
This melon is not called that for nothing - it is the sweetest variety of melons that you can find on the shelves right now. Soft, with a warm thick honey smell, obi novvot (or obi navvat) will appeal to all melon-loving sweet tooths. Its flesh, white with a yellowish tinge, melts in the mouth by itself.
Such a melon is stored in the refrigerator for only up to two days, but usually this time is enough in excess - in two days this yummy will definitely be eaten! This is one of the most popular varieties in Uzbekistan, everyone knows about it, and everything is due to its unique taste.
Exotic
Connoisseurs of exotic always want something unusual. Melons are no exception to this, because breeders have presented several varieties with unusual characteristics.
See also
Description of Altai melon, cultivation and pest control
To read
Pineapple
Small brown fruit weighing up to 0.3 kg. Light orange stripes on its surface alternate with dark brown ones. In terms of taste, the pulp is similar to pineapple.
Kiwano
This variety is very popular in African countries, and it got to Europe relatively recently. Yellow outside and green inside, this melon causes mixed reviews from gardeners. They do not eat its pulp, but eat only the green refreshing core, which tastes like jelly. The fruits are not suitable for storage, but they are excellent for processing and harvesting.
Meltoria
Miniature fruits reach a maximum length of 4 cm. The taste is similar to that of a cucumber. In American countries, the plant is often grown as a houseplant. Suitable for pickling, making salads.
Stages and technology of formation in open ground
Some time after planting the plant in the ground, when the culture takes root, the whips are selected. The strongest and healthiest are chosen among all. Such specimens can pretend to be the main stems. All others are considered competitive and must be eliminated.
Regardless of where the culture is being built, the melon is shaped into one or two trunks. The gardener can stop at one option or another, relying on how the bush grows. It is not recommended to leave more than two trunks, otherwise the plant will not form large fruits.
There are several rules according to which the formation of a melon bush is carried out:
- Stealing. During the season, you need to inspect the plant in order to identify shoots on which fruits are not expected. As a rule, they should be trimmed.
- Shaping. In this case, we are talking about a repeated procedure, which is carried out when the culture is grown on a trellis. The main stems are pinched at the moment the melon reaches two meters in height.
- Pinching. The stage assumes that all lateral stepchildren should be removed after the fifth leaf, depending on how the ovaries are located on the culture. This procedure is carried out along with re-edging.
- Ovary control. Popularly, this stage can be heard under the name "blinding". With the formation of new flowers, the quality of the crop increases. So, the fewer the ovaries appear, the larger they will grow in size. Depending on some characteristics of the cultivated type of melon, 3 pieces are left in large-fruited varieties and 6 in small-fruited ones.Flowers should be left evenly around the perimeter of the plant so that the distance between them is maximized. In such a situation, the fruits will receive a sufficient amount of nutrients.
Expert opinion
Stanislav Pavlovich
Gardener with 17 years of experience and our expert
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Attention! When forming a melon, it is worthwhile to get rid of excess parts on the culture without regret. Unnecessary ovaries and shoots that will not bear fruit will take on some of the food.
The sweetest
The delicious sweet fruit will appeal to even the most demanding gourmet. It remains only to choose the right variety and comply with the conditions of agricultural technology.
Sibarite
Melons of this variety are similar in shape to kiwi. The plant is suitable for cultivation in southern climates. The maximum fruit weight reaches 0.6 kg, and up to 30 pieces are harvested from a square meter.
Radmila
An early maturing Turkish variety with high yields. Fruit pulp is juicy, strong aroma. The crop is suitable for long-distance transportation, as well as long-term storage without loss of marketability and taste.
Akmaral
Turkmen melon with juicy pulp with a light pineapple flavor. The yield is high, the ripening period is medium early. The fruits are suitable for transportation and storage.
Melon "Torpedo": growing
After so many useful properties of the melon have been identified, you just need to find out how it can be grown on your site. Of course, it grows best in the southern regions. Uzbekistan is an ideal place for cultivation. It is from there that honey fruits are brought, the weight of which can reach 15 kg. Of course, such a record holder in size in the middle lane cannot be grown, but a fruit weighing 4-5 kg is quite possible to get. To do this, you need to know what conditions the torpedo melon prefers, the photo will help you to clearly see it.
Varieties of melons for central Russia
Melons differ not only in terms of ripening of the crop, but also in the regions in which it is recommended to grow them.
Mohawk F1
It is considered one of the most productive varieties in the middle lane. It has an increased immunity against fungal diseases. The ripening period is medium early, the taste characteristics of the crop are excellent.
Princess Svetlana F1
Hybrid with an early ripening period, perfectly tolerates temperature fluctuations. Not exposed to pests. Melons are small in size with excellent taste and pleasant aroma.
F1 passport
A distinctive feature of the variety is the large size of the fruit. They are characterized by excellent taste and aroma and versatility. The yield indicators are high.
Rainbow
The fruits have healing properties due to the high content of carotene, acids and vitamins. At the same time, the melon is characterized by increased thermophilicity and does not form ovaries if the air temperature is below +20 ° С, and the ripening of the crop occurs at least at +30 ° С.
Serezhkina love
An early maturing unpretentious variety, suitable for growing even on barren land. The melon was bred by breeders of the Altai Territory specifically for the climate of the middle zone.
Kazachka
Mid-season variety recommended for indoor cultivation. Poorly tolerates temperature changes. The fruits are sweet, aromatic, suitable for processing and short storage.
How to choose the most delicious melon correctly
It often happens that outwardly such an attractive fruit turns out to be completely tasteless, and vice versa.
In order not to throw money down the drain, you need to know a few secrets of choosing the most delicious melon:
- If, on examination, the melon looks ripe, but it does not have a smell, this indicates that it is stuffed with chemicals. The ripe fruit has a honey-vanilla aroma.
- The skin of the fruit should be yellow or orange with no greens. On the one hand, a white spot is permissible - this is the place that was on the ground.
- There should be no damage, cracks, or scratches on the surface.
- The base and stem should be dry, not green and full of juice.
- When pressed with a finger next to the stalk of a ripe fruit, the skin sags.
- When tapping on a ripe fruit, the sound is muffled.
We advise you to read more about how to choose a delicious melon.
It is better to underfill than waterlogged
Melon cultivation technology includes rational watering. Melon loves hot dry climate. For her, drought is preferable to dampness and humidity. The plant has a developed root system that extracts moisture from a depth of more than 1 meter. Therefore, frequent and abundant watering is unnecessary. It is much more important to "feed" on time, for this they make an infusion of weeds. A good result in the form of an abundance of juicy fruits is obtained when growing melons in manure beds. This is both nutrient replenishment and additional heat for the shoots. Most varieties need to remove excess shoots and ovaries. It is better to grow 3-4 high-quality melons on one plant than not wait at all for the maturity of the crop. Also see the article on grafting a watermelon onto a pumpkin.
Useful Tips
Gardeners who have gained experience in growing melons in open land and greenhouses recommend:
- When growing melons in a vertical or horizontal way, the plants must be tied up. Otherwise, the likelihood increases that the whips will break off under the weight of the fruit. For these purposes, you can take large-volume household vegetable nets (so that the fruits do not undergo deformation).
- When building a culture on simple beds, you need to observe in which direction the whips grow. So, they should not end up in the space between the rows. Also, the whips can not only crawl into the aisles, but also intertwine with each other. This is absolutely not allowed. Care must be taken to prevent thickening of the lashes. Otherwise, a sufficient amount of ultraviolet rays will not fall on the beds. Also, the soil under the carpet of greenery will be constantly moist.
- Pinch the lashes over the ovaries at the moment when the fruits grow to the size of a walnut.
Chemical composition
Melon is very rich in valuable substances and trace elements. For example, a rare vitamin PP. In addition to it, the Torpedo contains vitamins A, B, E, vitamin C is present, albeit in a small dose. The main share falls on carbohydrates - they contain up to 8 g, but the protein in the product is only 0.7 g, and even less fat - 0.2 g. Most of all, melons contain water - 70%, which is why it perfectly quenches thirst.
The record holders for the content of nutrients are Torpedo seeds. Micro and macronutrients are innumerable in them. There is potassium, magnesium, silicon, iodine, fluorine, iron. The benefits of melon seeds for men are known - they are considered a powerful aphrodisiac. But even for women, children, the fruits can be safely recommended for vitamin supplementation and general health improvement.
