Savor

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Fragrant as a summer orchard at sunrise, Savor Charentais Melon fills the garden with a honeyed perfume and delivers a lusciously sweet, aromatic bite.

Its flesh is tender and succulent, with a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture that shines whether enjoyed straight from the garden or spooned into fruit-forward creations. Grow Savor for a compact, reliable 80-day season and a classic Charentais presence—small, richly flavored, and made to be savored at peak ripeness.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Vine

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 9th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 23rd
Harvest Begins	Aug 11th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
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

Savor Charentais is built for eating cold and fast—small size, high aromatics, and a tender melt that practically melts on the tongue. Keep toppings to bright acid (lime) and fresh herbs (mint) so the honeyed perfume stays in the lead.

Best Uses

ice-cold spooning straight from the rind at peak ripeness
thin wedges with a squeeze of citrus to sharpen the perfume
fruit salads where it stays juicy without turning watery
light pairings with creamy dairy for a cold, perfumed finish

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness intense floral-musky aroma tender, melt-in-the-mouth juiciness

Kitchen Pairings

prosciutto lime juice mint burrata Chardonnay

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Cucumis melo (Charentais-type) melons?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on leaves and usually starts mid-season. Remove heavily affected leaves early and improve airflow by spacing plants so vines aren’t tangled. Water at the base in the morning and, if it’s spreading, apply a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product according to the label to protect new growth.

How often should I water Cucumis melo during the main growing phase?

During vine growth and flowering, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall. When fruits are sizing up, water more steadily; inconsistent watering can cause misshapen fruit or split/soft spots. Stop heavy watering about 7–10 days before harvest so sugars concentrate and the rind firms.

How can I tell when to harvest Cucumis melo at about 80 days?

Harvest when the fruit changes from deep green to a more creamy background color and the stem end begins to separate easily (a gentle twist releases). The rind should feel firm and the blossom end should give slightly under light pressure. For Charentais-type melons, strong, sweet aroma near the stem is a reliable cue—if it smells bland, give it a few more days.