Persian Melons characteristics
Persian melons are actually muskmelons, produced by a vining plant (Cucumis melo) that originated in Persia, in the region now known as Iran. The fruit gets its name from its sweet, musky odor when ripe. Persian melon plants were brought to the Americas in the 17th century by early settlers. Today, several types of Persian melons are widely available and make good growing choices for a home gardener.
A) Netted Melons
Persian melons with a outer surface covered in an irregular green pattern resembling a net are called netted melons and belong to the Reticularis group. The melon commonly called a cantaloupe in the U.S. is a member of this group. Cantaloupes are notable for their bright orange flesh and strong, sweet flavor when ripe. Like most netted melons, cantaloupes are ripe when the fruit slips easily from the vine. Other netted melons include the Galia melon, a native of Israel with pale orange flesh, and the Charantais melon, originally from France and slightly smaller than the cantaloupe.
B) Yellow Melons
Several Persian melons are notable for their strongly colored yellow exteriors. For example, canary melons, also called Spanish melons, have bright yellow outer rinds and cream-colored, juicy, mild-flavored flesh. Casaba melons, another yellow melon, are unusual for their wrinkled, yellow rind, their oval shape that tapers on the stem end and their size, with individual melons reaching a weight of up to 8 pounds. Casaba melons mature late in the growing season, and develop best flavor when left on the vine until completely ripe and slightly soft.
C) Green Melons
Some Persian melons, such as the Crenshaw melon, have dark green exteriors, developed by crossing different varieties. Crenshaws have flavor similar to that of the Casaba melon, one of its parents, but a slightly wrinkled, dark green rind that softens to yellowish green as it ripens. Crenshaw melons also tend to be large, averaging about 5 pounds, and can have flesh that is either greenish or salmon-pink. Like most melon plants, Crenshaw melons need deep watering that thoroughly soaks the soil while they are growing, followed by reduced watering to improve the flavor of ripening fruit.
D) Honeydew Melons
Honeydew melons are larger than most Persian melons, averaging about 2 to 4 pounds. Most honeydews have a silvery white to slightly green outer color, and light green or white flesh. Their flavor is sweet but subtle, and the flesh is smooth in texture. Like most Persian melons, honeydews grow best in well-drained, sandy to loamy soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, but a pH lower than 6.0 can cause yellowing foliage and imperfect flowers.