Noir De Carmes Melon (Organic Heirloom 80 Days)

French Heirloom 1787. The Noir De Carmes Melon is a rare Heirloom preserved by the Carmelite monks of France. Has deep smooth ribs and skin so dark green that it is almost black but ripens to mottled orange. Aromatic flesh that is gently sweet. Grows 2-3 lb fruits.  20 seeds   PLANTING Cucumis melo Germination: 4-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2" deep Sowing Indoors: 3-4 weeks before last frost. Provide 70-85ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Sowing into individual biodegradable peat/cow pots reduces root damage when transplanting. Transplant after last frost, 36" apart. Sowing Outdoors:  Sow after last frost when soil temperature is over 70ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds every 36", thin to the strongest seedling.  How much does a packet plant: 18-20 foot single row, 5-6 hills Harvest: Look for the following signs as it does take some practice on telling when they are ready to harvest. The skin tone changes and netting becomes heavy, the ends soften, they will slip from the vines or a gentle tug will pull it away from the vine, a crack develops around the stem, the closest tendril to the stem dries, and the aroma increases when ripe. Tips:  Plant Noir De Carmes Melon in fertile soil, amended with compost or well rotted manure and keep well watered. They benefit from growing on black plastic and by using row covers for weed, insect control, and more rapid growth.