Description and History
The Green Climbing Melon, more commonly known as Vert Grimpant is a French heirloom. A vining melon that is generally grown on a trellis.
The melons themselves are relatively small as melons go, only weighing 1 – 2 lbs each. They are slightly oval and about the size of grapefruit.
The flesh is a tad crisper than softer cantaloupe and honey dew but still manages to hold a juicy sweetness. Not as sweet as some of its melon cousins but still sweet when picked at the correct level of ripeness. It is frequently cooked as it has been for Centuries in Europe.
Tips for Growing Vert Melons
Direct Seeding is best after the last Frost date.
You can also Start seeds indoors 3 – 4 weeks before planting outdoors. They have a relatively low survival rate when transplanted, so count on planting more than you will need if transplanting, and be sure to harden off adequately.
Maturity at 60 – 70 days
Germination from seed 6 – 10 days.
They are Vining are traditionally trellised, but can also be permitted to sprawl in the same fashion as other melons.
Full Sun
Fruit Weight 1 – 2 lb.
Open-pollinated
Hardiness zones 3 – 11
Soil ph 6 to 7.5
Fares best in warm dry dry climates – not quite a drought conditions but not as much water as watermelon. The key time to water is from the time the fruit begins to form until it is half-grown. Excessive watering too close to the harvesting of watermelon will reduce the sugar content and cause the fruit to have hollow centers.
A curious trait of Vert grimpant is that it will on occasion turn from green to full ripeness in a single day and drop from the vine of its own accord, especially when trellised.
Related: Growing Crenshaw Melons