Charentais

Cantaloupe

Zone 2b Save Garden

🌱 80d to harvest Vine

Fragrant and honey-sweet at first breath, Charentais cantaloupe delivers a lush, velvety flesh with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 29th
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 12th
Harvest Begins	Aug 31st
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

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

Lemonade Corn

Peach Melba Nasturtium

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cucumis melo (Charentais) and how can I manage it?

Charentais melons commonly suffer from powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) in warm, humid weather. At the first sign, remove heavily infected leaves, improve airflow by spacing vines, and avoid wetting foliage when you irrigate. If it continues, use a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew on cucurbits and repeat according to the product instructions.

How often should I water Charentais melon during the main growing phase (after flowering/fruit set)?

During the main growing phase, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, aiming for consistent moisture around the roots. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root stress and fungal problems. Once fruits begin to ripen, reduce watering to avoid watery flavor and cracking while still preventing the vines from wilting.

How do I tell when Charentais melon (Cucumis melo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit has fully changed color (for Charentais, the base color shifts to its ripe yellow/cream tone) and the blossom end gives slightly under gentle pressure. Look for a strong, sweet melon fragrance and a smooth skin surface without the “green, tight” look of unripe fruit. Typically, Charentais is ready around 80 days from sowing, but fruit maturity cues should guide the exact pick date.

Fragrant and honey-sweet at first breath, Charentais cantaloupe delivers a lush, velvety flesh with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Its warm salmon-orange interior is cradled by a finely netted rind, offering a satisfying contrast of softness and structure. Ideal for fresh enjoyment and show-stopping fruit-forward presentations, Charentais shines when you want pure, aromatic flavor in every spoonful.

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

Start Charentais in biodegradable pots and transplant only after consistently warm nights, then give it rich, well-drained soil for maximum fragrance and sweetness.