Description

PETIT GRIS DE RENNES MELON dates back 400 years to the gardens of the Bishop of Rennes in France. One of the best you can grow in the home garden, the 2-3 lb. fruits are round and smooth, greyish green with wide ribs. The orange flesh has a wonderful texture, very sweet taste. Important to eat soon after harvest as it may develop cracks in the rind within 3 days of harvest that can compromise the health of the flesh (allowing bacteria to permeate). This is one of the reasons why it is not seen commercially. Serve with thin shavings of Proscuitto or other salty ham and you will become addicted to this seasonal pleasure. Early season but still requires warmth to produce fruit, so this is also a great candidate for the greenhouse. Agri-covers will help. 80-85 days. 10 seeds.

GROWING MELONS: Melons are heat lovers and heavy feeders, so pick a sunny spot and spend some time preparing the soil with rich compost and creating hills for the vines to trail down. Wait until soil temp is 70 degrees to direct sow, or start indoors and harden off. Keep the beds mulched with straw as weeding will becoming impossible once the vining gets underway. The straw will also help retain moisture in the soil and melons need lots of regular watering. Once the blossoms have set, use fish emulsion as a side dressing. Some smaller varieties are suitable for trellising.