melon · Cucumis melo
Also known as: apple cucumber; common cantaloupe; cucumber vine; musk melon; sweet-scented melon
Grow in acidic to neutral, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in warm and humid conditions, ideally in greenhouse, large coldframe or polytunnel. Follow melon cultivation for more advice.
Pinch out growing tip to encourage side-shoots. Where these appear, choose the strongest few and remove others. Prune to two leaves where the fruit is developing to direct plant's energy to the fruit, rather than vegetative growth.
