Charentais Melon – MIg

Description

Charentais is a distinguished French cantaloupe, prized for its small size (about softball‑sized) and its exceptionally fragrant, vivid orange flesh — more aroma and flavor than typical cantaloupes. A gourmet heirloom, it delivers elegant sweetness and creaminess.

When to Plant in the UAE (Field Planting)

According to regional agricultural patterns and local planting calendars, the best window to plant melons in the UAE is during the warming transition from March to April, when the daytime temperatures reliably reach above 25 °C and the risk of cold or heat extremes is low.

• Plant outdoors in March — this aligns perfectly with the UAE’s “Transition Season,” when spring heat begins and the soil becomes consistently warm, ideal for melons.

• Avoid planting in mid-summer, as excessive heat can compromise flavor and vine development.

Tips for Planting

• Choose a location with full sun exposure and rich, well-draining soil

• Optionally, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before May, then transplant once soil warms above ~25°C

• Ensure plenty of space — Charentais is a vine and requires room (or trellising) for sprawling growth

• Keep soil consistently moist but avoid wet foliage — drip irrigation is ideal

• Provide plentiful phosphorus and potassium, but moderate nitrogen to promote flowering and fruit sweetness

• Harvest after 74–88 days from transplanting, when the fruit is deeply aromatic, the rind nets are pronounced, and the melon slips off the vine easily