Cucumis melo is cultivated all over the world. The main producers are China, the USA and Turkey.
Cucumis melo flourishes well under warm climate and cannot tolerate frost. The melons are propagated by seed and can be grown in a variety of ways depending on ideal conditions such as on level ground, ridges, hills or in pits.
The optimum temperature for germination of seeds is 27 – 30 C. Excessively high temperature (above 30 C) increase respiration and accelerate fruit ripening, so that the fruits become yellow too early, have a low sugar content and are of poor quality.
Soil temperature has a considerable influence on plant growth and on water and nutrient absorption.
Cucumis melo picky about their soil conditions; they prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It cannot be grown successfully below a Ph 5.5.
A well drained, loamy soil is ideal. Lighter soil which warm up quickly is spring are usually for early crop.
Cucumis melo need long, warm summers to produce well. Given that including abundant water and rich soil will reward with sweet and juicy fruit. The melon needs nutrient rich soil plenty of sunshine, and at least 3 to 4 months of warm weather.
Soil for Cucumis melo cultivation
