Melon Oliwin

Melon Oliwin — variety description

Melon Oliwin (Cucumis melo) is an annual vegetable of the Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). An early variety that produces medium-sized plants. The melons are oval, yellow-cream, weighing about 1 kg.

The flesh is orange, aromatic and sweet, with a small seed cavity. A cold-tolerant variety with a high yield and excellent flavour.

From germination to fruit production takes 68-75 days.

Melons are harvested gradually, after reaching full ripeness. This is recognised mainly by the change in skin colour, the intense aroma and the fruit separating easily from the stalk.

A home-grown, sun-ripened melon has nothing in common with a shop-bought one — fragrant, sweet and juicy. Loves a warm summer and light soil.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 93%
• Seeds per packet: 4–6 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: April and May; seedlings or direct
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Melon Oliwin

Melon Oliwin seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Melon Oliwin

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing: 80–100 cm
• Germination: 5–10 days at 25–30 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Growing melons requires a little patience. Seedlings must be produced first - the seeds are sown in April. Later, in late May or June, the seedlings are planted in their final position. Requires a sunny spot sheltered from wind and fertile, humus-rich soil. Most importantly, however, never grow Olivin melons after other varieties or after other plants of the cucurbit family, because then the young plants may catch the same diseases or pests. Melons are very sensitive to significant fluctuations in air and soil temperature. They are plants from warm zones, so they require intense sunlight and plenty of heat. The need for water is particularly high during the period of growth and fruit development. They are grown on various types of soil, provided they are well-drained and rich in humus. The fruits are ready to harvest in late August and September.

Plant in the warmest, sunniest spot in light, fertilised soil. Water generously until fruit set, and reduce at ripening — this makes the fruits sweeter.

Harvest and use

The melon is ripe when the fruit separates easily from the stalk and smells strongly.

Frequently asked questions

When should Melon Oliwin be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 4–6 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 93%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

How do I tell when a melon is ripe?

The fruit smells strongly, the netting on the rind stands out, and the stalk separates with a slight press.