We planted some melons this year for the first time. Not sure what kind (Wife's project.) They look more or less like cantaloupe, but greener. IIRC, the picture showed a more reddish flesh than cantaloupe.

Question is, how to know when they're ripe? In the grocery store, I press the blossom end. If it feels soft, the melon is ripe. Same for a melon still on the vine?

Count Upp

how to know when they're ripe?

Thump them.

AC *it's the sound that tells you*

Thumping is an art.

Here's a link about melons.

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/cornucop/2002071935010165...

Just takes practice. A not hard slap/pat/thump should do it. The more hollow it sounds, the better. Also if it has just a bit of bounce back feel to the hand...

The cantaloupe vine will start to separate from the fruit when it is ripe the way a scab separates from a wound. So if your variety has a webbed skin it will practically pick itself.

GeeB

The cantaloupe vine will start to separate from the fruit when it is ripe the way a scab separates from a wound. So if your variety has a webbed skin it will practically pick itself.

GeeB

Thanks! That sounds cool. I picked one today, put it on the kitchen counter. It doesn't sound or feel ripe.

Count Upp

The cantaloupe vine will start to separate from the fruit when it is ripe the way a scab separates from a wound. So if your variety has a webbed skin it will practically pick itself.

GeeB

Thanks! That sounds cool. I picked one today, put it on the kitchen counter. It doesn't sound or feel ripe.

Count Upp

I finally have ripe melons! Thanks, GeeB, for your info. We have eaten a couple of them. More are ripe. and ready to eat

Count Upp