Natural Traditional Concentrated Long Melon

20 Seeds

Note: Natural Traditional Concentrated Long Melon is a traditional heirloom melon that produces long, cylindrical fruits with crisp, juicy, sweet flesh and a refreshing aroma. Depending on the strain, the skin may be light green, cream, or yellow when mature. The fruits are excellent for eating fresh, fruit salads, desserts, and juices. They are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. This warm-season crop performs exceptionally well in the Gulf when planted during the recommended growing season.

Best Planting Time

• February to April (recommended for spring harvest)
• August to September (for autumn harvest in suitable Gulf regions)
• Avoid sowing during the coldest winter weeks and the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in lukewarm water (25–30°C) for 6–8 hours before sowing.
• No cold stratification is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in seaweed extract or a seed-starting solution to improve germination and seedling vigor.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, sandy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

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 seeds directly into the ground or large containers.
• Plant 2–3 seeds per planting hole.
• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• Thin to the strongest seedling after germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 24–32°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 24–35°C
• Requires 8–10 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Reduce watering slightly during the final 2–3 weeks before harvest to improve fruit sweetness.
• Avoid waterlogging and overhead watering.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 100–150 cm between plants.
• 200–250 cm between rows.
• Provide adequate space for vigorous vine growth.

Harvesting

• Harvest 80–100 days after sowing.
• Fruits are ready when:
  • They reach full size and characteristic color.
  • The rind becomes firm.
  • The nearest tendril dries.
  • The fruit develops a pleasant aroma.
• Harvest carefully to avoid damaging the vine.

Fertilization

• Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
• During flowering and fruit development, switch to a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during spring or early autumn for best yields.
• Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and keep the soil cooler.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen after flowering to encourage sweeter fruits.
• Ensure good air circulation around plants to reduce fungal diseases.
• Regularly inspect for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, melon fruit flies, and powdery mildew.
• This variety performs very well in home gardens, farms, raised beds, and large containers with full sun.