Alvaro

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Sun-warmed and irresistibly fragrant, Alvaro cantaloupe delivers a honey-sweet, aromatic flavor with a lush, tender bite.

The flesh is richly orange and juicy, ideal for savoring at peak ripeness, while its balanced sweetness shines in fresh preparations and preserves. Grow Alvaro for a dependable 70-day season and a cantaloupe you’ll look forward to harvesting again and again.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Vine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 11th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jul 18th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Alvaro cantaloupe is an aromatic, honey-forward cantaloupe with a melt-tender texture, so you want it cold and kept minimally handled—no heavy cooking that mutes the perfume. Slice it thick, hit it with a little salt/citrus and dairy, and it’ll taste like summer that actually stays on the palate.

Best Uses

chilled fruit bowl or side salad where it stays wet and fragrant
fresh cantaloupe cups topped with salted crema or yogurt
light fruit preserves or jam where the aroma holds after reduction
smoothers and granitas—freeze the juice for a clean, icy sweetness

Flavor Profile

honey-sweet melon aroma juicy, tender bite with a soft melt balanced sweetness with a faint floral perfume sun-warmed finish that lingers

Kitchen Pairings

lime mint plain Greek yogurt prosciutto feta

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle tomato hornworm or early blight on Alvaro plants?

Watch for tomato hornworms by checking leaves and stems at dusk; hand-pick the large green worms and destroy them. For early blight, remove infected lower leaves (brown, target-like spots), improve airflow by spacing plants for full sun, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If it keeps spreading, spray an appropriate labeled fungicide for tomatoes following the product directions.

How often should I water Alvaro during the main growing phase (after seedlings establish)?

Water Alvaro deeply so the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out between waterings—typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container vs. ground soil. Aim for steady moisture during fruit set and growth to prevent cracking and blossom-end rot; use a drip line or soaker to keep leaves dry. If you’re seeing dull, drooping plants in the afternoon, increase watering frequency slightly rather than giving small daily sips.

How can I tell when Alvaro is ready to harvest at about 70 days?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and are fully colored for the variety (no green shoulders) and the skin is glossy. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the vine; mature fruit should detach with minimal force. If the first fruits are coloring early, start harvesting regularly—this helps the plant focus energy on the remaining fruit.