Melon Jerac F1 plants - Cucumis melo

Melons need a nutrient-rich soil and plenty of warmth for successful fruiting. Choose a location that is both sunny and sheltered. Melon plants prefer cool and well-drained soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 10 cm (6 inches) without turning it over. Add well-decomposed organic compost. If the soil is not well-draining, it is possible to create a small mound for each plant.

To start with, grow the plug plants by transplanting them into trays or pots with a diameter of 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5in), filled with potting soil. Place the plants in a warm and bright area. Water regularly.

Planting in the ground should be done when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Space the plants 1 m (3ft) apart in all directions. Dig a hole, place your plant with the graft point at ground level, and cover with fine soil. Firmly press down and water to keep the soil moist.

Melon cultivation requires regular watering (about twice a week in summer, depending on the climate). Be careful to only water the base and not the leaves to prevent the onset of mildew and powdery mildew. Regularly weed and hoe.

With new hybrid melon varieties, it is no longer necessary to pinch the leaves. Only perform step 4 to have a more beautiful fruit. In other cases, especially with old varieties, follow these steps:

1: When the plant has 4 leaves, pinch above the first two leaves to encourage branching. This will result in two main branches.

2: As soon as these two branches have at least three leaves, pinch them again above the third leaf on both sides.

3: Repeat the process on new branches above the third leaf following the same principles.

4: The fourth pruning is done during the fruiting process by pinching one leaf above the fruit to focus the sap on the fruit rather than on the production of new branches.

Keep a maximum of 5 to 7 fruits per plant.

Since melons are quite "demanding," you can grow peas or broad beans after them.