About

Cucumis melo 'Honey Bun' is a small, bushy melon variety characterized by its grey-green skin and vibrant dark orange interior. When provided with optimal growing conditions, each plant can yield as many as four fruits. Its flavor profile is notably sweet.

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

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-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

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

1 year

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

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

Start from seed or buy as small plants and grow in a heated greenhouse, or on a windowsill. Can be moved to an unheated greenhouse, or outdoors, once all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly, feed plants in containers every 10-14 days, and provide support. See melon cultivation for further advice

Pruning

Under glass, remove the tip of the plant once it reaches the top of the support. Shorten sideshoots to two leaves beyond any developing fruit, or to 60cm if they have no fruit. If left to trail outdoors shorten the main shoot, and sideshoots with no fruit, after seven leaves

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails and red spider mite

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fusarium wilt and cucumber mosaic virus