Melon

Get informed about the properties and requirements of melon, and we will guide you to the best formulations to optimize your horticultural cultivation.

Get to know the melon to achieve excellent results in your crops.

Melon is also known by other common names such as cantaloupe or bitter melon, but its scientific name is Cucumis melo Cucumis melo.

It is an annual plant with abundant roots, herbaceous and trailing stems, and large, toothed leaves with petioles. The stems are rough to the touch and have tendrils that help the plant attach to the ground. The plant produces solitary yellow flowers, and its fruits can be of different colors and shapes, depending on the variety.

Melon cultivation in Spain covers an area of 19,000 hectares, with around 15,000 hectares grown in open fields. Approximately, a total of 1,000,000 tons is produced annually, with over a third being dedicated to export. Almería and Ciudad Real are the provinces that produce the most.

There are different varieties of melons, which are grouped based on the characteristics of their fruits. In general terms, we can talk about smooth-skinned Spanish melons, green-netted Spanish melons, Cantaloupes, and special varieties such as Honey-Dew, Alficoz, etc.

Soil characteristics

For optimal growth, the melon plant requires light soils that are rich in humus or compost, with a medium texture and depth. It can tolerate some alkalinity but does not tolerate acidic soils well. Excessively saline soils are not suitable as they reduce its absorption and production capacity.

Light soils
Medium-textured soils
Deep soils

Acidic soils
Soils with excessive salinity

Climate needs

It is a crop that thrives in high temperatures and warm climates. Below 12ºC, the seeds do not germinate; the optimal germination temperature range for seeds is between 24 and 32ºC. The optimal growth temperature ranges from 18 to 24ºC, with humidity levels between 60-70%. Above 35-40ºC, melon fruits can suffer damage.

Germination 24-32 ºC
Growth 18-24 ºC
Maximum 35-40 ºC

Irrigation

Regarding water quality, there is no need to be particularly cautious because melons are moderately tolerant to salinity. However, it is advisable to provide ample water and frequent irrigation. The plant has its highest water requirements during fruit development, as the fruits absorb a significant amount of water. Proper irrigation and fertilization at that stage are essential for optimal crop yield.

High

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