Vegetable Fruit

• Crops in : July to October

Description

Very early ripening, round/oval cantaloupe with netted skin and darker green sutures. Melon Eldoraro produces rich orange, sweet fleshed fruits which average 1.2kg (2.5lb). Resistant to fusarium and powdery mildew.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds during February to April, 20mm deep, in pots of good compost, under heated glass at a minimum maintained temperature of 15C. Cropping can be under protection or outdoors in warmer areas. Soil should be well prepared before transplanting with a liberal application of well-rotted manure or compost. Plant under protection during May and protect from late frosts. Plant in growing bags or containers or into the glasshouse soil 1m apart. Outdoor planting must be delayed until frost risk has passed. Alternatively sow seeds direct during late Aprilto late May with 2 seeds per station, 20mm deep, 1m between stations. Water generously after sowing and transplanting and as necessary throughout the period of cropping.

Growing Instructions

After planting the terminal growing point should be pinched out to encourage laterals and make a bushy plant to increase production of fruits. A top dressing of nitrogen fertiliser will encourage abundant growth.

Aftercare

Feed with potash (tomato feed) once first fruits commence to ripen.

Nutritional Information

Melons are rich in Vitamin A and C and are high in potassium.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Prosciutto and melon. Scoop melon into balls or cubes and add prosciutto, blueberries or strawberry halves for extra colour and flavour. Chill before serving.