Melon

(Cucumis melo)

Melon (Cucumis melo)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cucumis melo, commonly known as Melon, is an annual trailing vine or herb native to Africa and Southwest Asia, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including warm temperate zones, subtropical areas, and river valleys with rich, well-drained soils. Melons can reach a height of 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), often requiring support structures when cultivated. The plant produces yellow flowers in the summer that are moderately showy, leading to a wide variety of fruits that differ in taste, aroma, and rind texture.

Melons are valued for their sweet and sometimes musky fruits, which are a highlight of summer gardens. They are commonly grown in vegetable gardens and commercial farms for their edible fruits. Cultivation requires full sun and medium amounts of water, with a preference for rich, well-fertilized soil that has good drainage. While melons are not particularly drought-tolerant, they do need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Challenges in growing melons include susceptibility to pests like cucumber beetles and diseases such as powdery mildew. They are not frost-tolerant and should be planted after the last expected frost date.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Herb
  • Height: 6-9 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

Native to Africa and Southwest Asia, thriving in warm temperate zones and subtropical areas, particularly in river valleys with rich, well-drained soils

Other Names

Common Names: Melon, Sweet Melon, Cantaloupe, Musk Melon, Melone, Zucker-Melone, Cantaloup, Concombre Melon, Meloen, Melão

Scientific Names: , Cucumis melo, Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, Cucumis melo var. makuwa, Cucumis chate, Cucumis melo var. texanus, Cucumis melo var. inodorus, Cucumis melo var. acidulus, Cucumis melo var. ameri, Cucumis melo subsp. zard

GBIF Accepted Name: Cucumis melo L.