Whole and sliced Charentais Melon on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Charentais
Charentais Melon with wedges and juice.
Charentais Melon hiding in garden.
Melon Seeds, Charentais
Charentais Melon, whole, halved and quartered.
Charentais Melon balls and wedges with purple background.
Whole and sliced Charentais Melon on a white background.
Melon Seeds, Charentais
Charentais Melon with wedges and juice.
Charentais Melon hiding in garden.
Melon Seeds, Charentais
Charentais Melon, whole, halved and quartered.
Charentais Melon balls and wedges with purple background.

Melon Seeds,
Charentais

3.790 ReviewsSKU: #ML114Min. seed count: 25
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Regular price $3.50
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Description

(Cucumis melo). The famous French melon—super sweet and very fragrant. Light gray-green skin, smooth round 2- to 3- lb fruit, bright orange flesh. These are top sellers at high-dollar markets. It is always a favorite here. We just love the firm, sweet flesh.

Growing Tips: Charentais melons grow best in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Their small size and intensely fragrant, orange flesh make them a gourmet favorite. Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure for best flavor. Mulch to control weeds and retain soil moisture, and provide ample space for vines to spread or trellis to elevate fruits.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
75–90
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F or start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in short-season areas. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, spaced 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart, or in hills with 2–3 seeds per hill, thinning to the strongest seedling. Use row covers early to protect from pests and promote warmth. Choose a location with full sun and good air circulation.

How to Grow

Water deeply once or twice weekly, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize with a balanced organic formula at vining and again at flowering. Monitor for powdery mildew and insect pests. Harvest Charentais melons when their skin turns creamy beige, the netting becomes pronounced, and a sweet aroma is noticeable near the stem.

How to Save Seeds

Note: if you are planning to save seeds, you must isolate Cucumis melo varieties from each other to prevent cross-pollination, or bag the flowers and hand-pollinate them

  • Let fruits fully ripen and begin to soften on the vine
  • Cut the melon open and scoop out seeds
  • Place seeds in a bowl of water and ferment for 1–2 days
  • Rinse and remove floating debris
  • Spread seeds on a screen or paper towel to dry thoroughly
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place in labeled envelopes for up to 5 years

FAQ

How big do Charentais melons get at maturity?

Charentais are small, round melons, usually 2 to 3 pounds at full ripeness, with light gray-green skin and bright orange flesh. Their compact size suits a trellis, where each fruit can be slung for support.

Are Charentais melons suitable for container gardening?

Yes, Charentais melons can be grown in large containers (minimum 5 gallons) with a strong trellis or support system. Ensure regular feeding and consistent watering to support healthy fruit production.

Do Charentais melons require hand-pollination?

In most gardens, natural pollinators like bees are sufficient. However, in greenhouses or low-pollinator environments, you can hand-pollinate using a small brush to transfer pollen between flowers.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Also note:

Charentais melon is one of the celebrated varieties mentioned in our recent article about festivals devoted to heirloom vegetables!

Customer reviews

3.7 / 5 90 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Honeyed, floral flavor: Sweet, perfumed flesh with notes of honey and caramel.

  • Intensely fragrant: You can smell a ripe one from several feet away.

  • Vigorous vines: Easy, vigorous vines that take summer heat.

  • Small, single-serving: Small melons, just the right size for one or two people.

  • Heads up: Splits right at ripeness; check color and scent daily.

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