Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
The Valencia Winter Melon is a dark green-skinned melon with creamy white flesh that keeps well in winter storage. It was listed by American seedsmen by the 1830s. Similar to the Malta Melon grown by Jefferson, the Valencia ripens late for harvesting before frost. In storage its flavor and sweetness increases.
Native Distribution: Eastern Asia
Direct sow seeds in 18”-wide hills several weeks after the last spring frost, or around July 15 like the Monticello gardeners; sow 6-8 seeds per hill, then thin to the best 3 plants per hill. Melons prefer soils that are nutrient rich and on the dry side. Harvest by cutting from the vine towards the end of the growing season. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.
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