Thompson & Morgan Melon Alvaro F1 Hybrid

BUYERS NOTES

A 'charentais' type of cantaloupe melon which can successfully ripen fruit outdoors. Smooth 10-12cm (4-5in) diameter 500g (1lb) fruits, pale cream-yellow skin with dark green striping that turns a more tan yellow when ripe with a sweet aroma. The salmon orange flesh is very sweet, juicy and perfumed.

Sowing Information:

Sow seeds 1cm (1/2in) deep in pots or trays of good seed compost at a minimum of 20C (68F) under glass or in a propagator. Protect emerging seedlings from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Alternatively only in the warmest areas, sow direct outdoors, 1-2cm (1/2-3/4in) deep from mid-May.

Growing Information:

Pot individual seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of compost. Keep barely moist to avoid stem rot. Maintain temperature around 20C (68F). Harden off. For earliest crop plant under cloches or in a frame once frost risk has passed, or outdoors through black plastic/mulch and cover with fleece until established. Allow 75cm each way between plants. Pinch out growing point after 4 'true' leaves. Laterals will form. Train 4 laterals to 6 leaf stage then pinch out. Flowers should be pollinated by insects, otherwise hand pollinate using a male flower for up to 4 female flowers (those with a bump under the flower). Keep well watered and feed regularly with potash or tomato fertiliser. Can also be grown under glass.

Aftercare Information:

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FORM & SPECIFICATION

• Range: AGM Range
• Category: Vegetable
• Hardiness: Half Hardy
• Longevity: Annual
• Flowering Period: -
• Harvesting Period: From early August
• No of Seeds: 4
• Measured By: Seed