Since then, its cultivation has spread to all the warm areas of the planet, resulting in a large number of different varieties. It is a great pleasure to include in out catalogue at Alchimia, many native varieties from all over the world.

Melon cultivation

The melon requires a good amount of sunlight, about 6h a day. It is also recommended that the soil have good drainage and is rich in nutrients.

Proper soil preparation is crucial to the success of growing melon seeds. It is important to arrange the soil properly before sowing the seeds by removing any weeds or grasses, as they may compete with the melons for nutrients in the soil. The soil should be loosened to a minimum depth of 30 cm and then organic matter, such as compost, manure, or peat, should be added to improve the soil's fertility.

The melon seed requires at least 15°C to germinate and develop. The optimal cultivation temperature is 32ºC. Sowing can be done in the seedbed or directly in the soil. If this is done directly in the soil, it is best to make sure that the last frosts have already passed and remember that the plant does not grow below 15ºC.

After sowing the seeds, it is important to keep the soil moist to ensure good germination. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent seed and seedlings rot.

Once the seedlings have emerged, watering frequency should be reduced and water only when the soil is dry to the touch. In addition, the plants should be tutored as they grow to prevent damage or drooping. The melon plant withstands drought quite well and regrows when watered.

It is particularly important to prevent watering from contacting the leaves, as it could easily cause them to rot. It is advisable to seek a balance in watering, as the less irrigation, the tastier the melon will be, but the less it will produce. It is also advisable to prune the plant during its growth, because if it is too vigorous, few female flowers are produced.

During the plant development, it is important to provide fertilisers regularly to ensure good fruit production. One can use organic fertilisers , such as manure, compost, or compost tea.

In addition, it is important to protect plants from pests and diseases that may affect growth and production. The melon plant is quite prone to attacks by powdery mildew and whitefly. The use of biological insecticides and fungicides is recommended for its removal.

Melons are ready to harvest when the skin becomes soft and changes colour. Also, the ripeness can be checked by touching the opposite end to the stem. If soft, it is ready to harvest. When the melons are mature, they can be carefully harvested and left to complete ripen for a few days before eating.

The melon plant associates well with other crops such as corn, radishes, onions, spinach, beans or chards, but does not combine well with cucumber or courgette. In subsequent crops it is not recommended to sow other cucurbits.

Melon, nutritional properties

Melon is a refreshing and delicious fruit that also provides a high nutritional value. It is a low-calorie fruit, as it contains approximately 90% water. It is an excellent option to include in diets.

Melon is rich in vitamins A, C and B6, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It also has a high fibre content, ideal for maintaining good digestive health.