Pair of Petit Gris de Rennes Melons on a white background.
Petit Gris De Rennes slices, cubes and balls.
Petit Gris De Rennes freshly picked from garden.
Melon Seeds, Petit Gris de Rennes
Pair of Petit Gris de Rennes Melons on a white background.
Petit Gris De Rennes slices, cubes and balls.
Petit Gris De Rennes freshly picked from garden.
Melon Seeds, Petit Gris de Rennes

Melon Seeds,
Petit Gris de Rennes

4.462 ReviewsSKU: #ML104Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis melo). Dense 2- to 4- lb fruit has superbly sweet, flavorful, and perfumed orange flesh. This variety is early and well adapted to cool climates. This fine French variety is of the best quality and is the favorite melon of the French melon expert and author Bruno Defay. Rare in the U.S. One of our most requested market melons; specialty growers love them! We continue to receive rave reviews about this melon, which is surely one of the best Charentais types.

Growing Tips: Petit Gris de Rennes is a French heirloom cantaloupe known for its intensely sweet, orange flesh and aromatic fragrance. This small, round melon thrives in rich, well-drained soil and warm weather. Keep soil consistently moist during fruit development. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide adequate space or trellising to support vigorous vines and improve air circulation.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
½–¾ in.
Plant Spacing
18–24 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperature is at least 70°F, or start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks early in cooler climates. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost. 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

Plant seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep, spaced 18–24 inches apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. Alternatively, plant 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to the strongest seedling. Use row covers early in the season to warm the soil and protect from pests. Remove covers once flowers appear to allow for pollination.

How to Grow

Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar disease. Apply compost or organic fertilizer at vining and flowering stages. Trellising helps save space and keeps fruit off the ground. Harvest when the melon slips from the vine and emits a sweet, musky aroma.

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 Petit Gris de Rennes melons get?

These melons typically weigh 2 to 4 pounds at maturity. They are prized for their small size, rich flavor, and smooth, lightly ribbed gray-green rind in the Charentais style - perfect for small gardens or gourmet home growers.

Can I grow Petit Gris de Rennes in containers?

Yes, this variety can be grown in a large container (minimum 5–7 gallons) with rich, well-draining soil. Trellising is helpful to support vines and improve airflow and fruit quality.

Are Petit Gris de Rennes melons good for short seasons?

Yes, with an 80–90 day maturity, they are ideal for short-season climates. Starting seeds indoors and using row covers outdoors can help ensure a successful harvest even in cooler regions.

Browse our full range of melon seeds.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 62 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Caramel-sweet flavor: Rich brown-sugar, perfumed flesh unlike store cantaloupe.

  • Converts melon skeptics: Even non-cantaloupe fans grow it every year.

  • Short-season friendly: Ripens in cool northern and polytunnel gardens.

  • Modest yields: Often just 2 to 3 personal-size melons per vine.

  • Heads up: Splits near ripeness; ease off water, pick at first yellow.

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