Noir des Carmes

Cantaloupe

Zone 2a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Noir des Carmes

🌱 80d to harvest Vine

Sink your spoon into Noir des Carmes and discover a richly perfumed, honeyed sweetness wrapped in a velvety, fine-textured flesh.…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 18th
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 20th
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

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)	12

Recommended Companions

Jewel Mix Nasturtium

Lime Bob Basil

Dark Opal Basil Basil

Cardinal Basil

Butter and Sugar Corn

Dolce Vita Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Cucumis melo (Noir des Carmes) leaves turning mottled and silvery—what pest or disease is this and how do I stop it?

Mottled, silvery foliage on Cucumis melo is commonly caused by spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry spells. Rinse leaves (especially undersides) with a steady spray, then keep plants evenly moist and use insecticidal soap or neem, repeating every 5–7 days until new leaves look normal. If you see webbing or rapid leaf yellowing, increase monitoring and treat early rather than waiting for widespread damage.

How often should I water Noir des Carmes melons during the main growing phase to avoid splitting or poor fruit set?

During flowering and fruit swelling, water to keep the root zone consistently moist but not soggy—about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) per week depending on heat, with deeper watering rather than frequent splashes. Aim water at the soil (not the vines) and let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) dry slightly between waterings. In the final 7–10 days before harvest, taper watering to reduce the risk of fruit cracking and bland flavor.

How can I tell when Noir des Carmes (Cucumis melo) is ready to harvest at ~80 days?

Harvest when the skin color deepens and the fruit feels heavy for its size, with the stem beginning to slip—there should be a noticeable change at the blossom end too (less firmness, slightly softened skin). Most importantly, smell the fruit base: it should develop a strong, sweet melon aroma. If the fruit resists and the stem is still tightly attached, give it a few more days and re-check the aroma and ease of separation.

Sink your spoon into Noir des Carmes and discover a richly perfumed, honeyed sweetness wrapped in a velvety, fine-textured flesh. This cantaloupe ripens to a deep, dramatic rind presence—darkly shaded and elegantly mottled—while the interior stays tender and aromatic, ideal for savoring at peak ripeness. Grow it for a cool-season garden highlight that delivers bold flavor and a lush, spoonable bite for fruit-forward bowls, refreshing drinks, and showy fruit salads.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the sweetest fruit, wait until soil is at least ~70°F and keep plants evenly watered after flowering—underwatering during fruit set reduces sweetness.