About
Cucumis melo 'Alvaro' is a cantaloupe variety well-suited for cultivation outdoors in the UK. This annual plant can reach lengths of up to 2 meters and features lobed green leaves that have a bristly texture. In late summer, it produces yellow flowers that mature into smooth, pale yellow melons adorned with unique green stripes. The flesh inside is pale orange, offering a notably sweet taste.
About the genus
Cucumis is a genus of climbing plants characterized by their tendrils, encompassing cucumbers, melons, and gherkins. Approximately 30 species are indigenous to Africa, while 25 species are found in India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Fruit Edible
- Habit
- Climbing, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Toxicity
- Pets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a warm sheltered spot or under glass, in moist soil with good drainage and full sun. For more advice see melon cultivation
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus