Melon Montreal Market

Description

A small group of Canadian preservationists brought back this incredibly flavorful variety in the 1990s. The earliest records of this melon are from 1684 by the Jesuits, who were cultivating the muskmelon on the fertile plains of Montreal. Its thick, green flesh is highly aromatic and has a sweet, complex taste. For peak flavor, harvest fruits when slightly under-ripe, before the rind turns yellow and the fruit softens. Melons are round to slightly flattened with a heavy, silvery netting and deep ribbing, measure 8″ in diameter, and weigh 7-8 pounds.

Sow seed ½ to1½ inches (13-38 mm) deep. Seeds germinate in 4 to 10 days at 80°F (27°C) or warmer. Transplant melons into the garden after the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C) for optimal performance. Space plants in the garden 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm) apart in all directions.