Kırkağaç Melon

25 Seeds

Kırkağaç Melon is a traditional Turkish heirloom muskmelon, famous for its sweet, aromatic flesh and excellent storage quality. It grows well in the Gulf when planted during the cooler seasons and prefers warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil.

Best Planting Time

• Best sowing time in the Gulf:
  • February to April (Spring crop)
  • August to October (Autumn/Winter crop – recommended)
• Avoid sowing during extreme summer heat (above 40°C).

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 6–12 hours before sowing.
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, sandy loam soil with excellent drainage.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.2

Sowing Method

• Sow directly into the garden or start in seed trays.
• Plant seeds:
  • 2–3 cm deep
• Sow 2–3 seeds per hole, then thin to the healthiest plant after germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature:
  • 24–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature:
  • 22–35°C
• Requires:
  • Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply 2–3 times per week, depending on weather and soil type.
• Reduce watering as fruits mature to improve sweetness and flavor.
• Avoid wetting leaves to minimize fungal diseases.

Germination Time

• Seeds usually germinate within:
  • 5–10 days

Transplanting

• If started in trays, transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 2–3 true leaves
• Space plants:
  • 60–90 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 1.5–2 meters apart

Harvesting

• Fruits are ready:
  • 80–100 days after sowing
• Harvest when:
  • The rind changes to its mature color.
  • A strong sweet aroma develops.
  • The stem begins to crack or partially separate from the fruit.

Gulf Climate Tips

• August–October planting usually gives the best results in the Gulf.
• Apply organic mulch to keep the soil cool and reduce water evaporation.
• Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, then switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer during fruit development.
• Train vines on trellises where space is limited, supporting fruits with nets if necessary.
• Protect young plants from sandstorms and extreme heat.