Honeydew Melons
Honeydew Melons
Harvest tips: Discerning ripeness in honeydews is an art. At least two or three of the following signs should align before you cut fruit from the vine: 1) Fruits are free of fuzz or minute hairs that denote immaturity. 2) Stems dry at tendrils. 3) Fruits assume proper coloration (different for different varieties). 4) Light firm pressure applied to fruit bottom results in a slight give or rubbery rebound (pick soon). Give extends into the curve outside of the blossom scar (pick now). Do not wait for full slip—fruits will develop cracks and get over-ripe. Cure 1–4 days off the vine for best flavor, until it develops a very subtle sweet smell of perfumed honey indicative of melting juicy full-flavored flesh.
Diseases:
- F: Fusarium
- PM: Powdery Mildew
- PRSV: Papaya Ring Spot Virus
- WMV: Watermelon Mosaic Virus
- ZYMV: Zucchini Yellows Mosaic Virus