strange and unusual melons.

[sunshinekitty]

I just borrowed a book on melons from friend.
I was thinking of growing a few of the more unusual varieties of the Cucumis melo tribe.
Has any one grown any interesting melons; if you have please list which varieties you have had success with and there more interesting qualities. please don't post the ones you have failed with.
sunshinekitty

[veggiechicken]

Where do you live Kitty? Most of us live in the UK and growing melons is a bit of a challenge. I've never succeeded but am trying 3 varieties again this year.

[sparrow100]

I am growing watermelons (Bozeman), Kajari melons and African horned melons, all outside. I've got 2 definite watermelons and quite a few African horned melons set and growing, but the Kajaris were sown a bit late and are only just getting going. I am hoping for a couple of these as they are also meant to perform well outdoors.

Last year I got a 2.5kg Sugar Baby watermelon from a plant outside. Tasted delicious.

[Guest]

Just out of curiosity is it Amy Goldmans book?

I am another struggling UK melon grower. I have successfully grown petit gris de rennes and was really disapointed. This year I have a few but I don't think they will come too much.

[sparrow100]

Just out of curiosity is it Amy Goldmans book?

I've got her squash book - I'd say it's helped enhance my addiction to squashes! If her melon book is similar.....eeep! I'm staying away!

[Guest]

I've got her squash book - I'd say it's helped enhance my addiction to squashes! If her melon book is similar.....eeep! I'm staying away!

Yes, whatever you do Sparrow don't borrow, buy or read it. I am only a few pages in and already I am thinking about making a couple of hotbeds next year and making gh2 a melon house

[sparrow100]

A hotbed does sound v fabulous!

[sunshinekitty]

thanks for the responses but I still need melon variety suggestion.
Is there another book on melons as good as Amy Goldmans.

[Guest]

Don't get me wrong Amy Goldman is very good at illustrating the vast array of varieties, making you aware of the different characteristics and properties and just get you completely addicted. However there is a lack of details on how to grow and get the best crop not that I imagine she could really help with 1. the backgarden or allotment gardener (she grows by the field load) 2. english weather, but that is just my opinion.

Anyhoo, varieties - I was told by a friend to have a bash at prescott fond blanc as it tasted gorgeous and grew easily (real seeds sell it), not that long a go a grape in Spain recommended alficoz (snake melon) as all the locals grow and eat it, then lastly I have fond memories of charantais melon from when I lived in France - sweet, juicy, melts with every bite.