Muskmelons

Muskmelons (or Rockmelons) are one of the two main cultivar groups of the true melons, Cucumus melo. This group, Cantalupensis, is characterized by non- to very netted and often ribbed rind, and a fairly strong, musky canteloupe odor and flavor. Appearance of rind can be green through tan, and flesh is usually peach/orange.

Canteloupe are a North American subset of this group, the Reticulatus subset.

Flavor, sweetness, and juiciness all increase by getting water to the vines regularly up to a certain number of days from harvest and then NO water for the last period before harvesting. Regular water increases juiciness, and holding back water at the end of the maturation cycle concentrates sugar and flavor. For this reason, they are sometimes grown in the desert where water can be applied strategically.