Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native
Africa, Asia, Australia, West Pacific Islands
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Vine
Further Information
Growing Conditions
Frost Sensitive
About Melon
Cucumis melo
Charentais' is about 1½ pounds, and the size of a small grapefruit. The skin is smooth and light green, with bands of darker green from the stem to the bottom. 'Charentais' is a type of true cantaloupe bred in France around 1920. It has deep orange flesh and a spicy, delicate aroma. The fruits' tender fragility makes shipping difficult; this is why we don't see them in the local grocery stores.
Planting Melon
Plant Spacing
2–3 seeds per mound
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Vine
Planting Depth
¼"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage | This packet sows up to 16 mounds. |
|---|---|
| Row Spacing | 4'–6' apart |
| Seed Depth | ¼" |
| Seed Spacing | 2–3 seeds per mound |
| Thinning | Thin to 1 plant per mound |
| Germination | 5–10 days |
| Start Indoors | Recommended for short-season areas. 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting within 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Sow into biodegradable pots that can be directly planted in the ground; roots are sensitive to disturbance. |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F. |
| Growing & Harvesting | Harvesting at the right time is very important with melons. Commercial growers harvest before melons are ripe, forcing them to ripen off the vine. But, the last few days of ripening on the vine put a lot of sugars into the melon; bottom line is that melons taste significantly better when vine ripened. How do you know when melons are ripe? Several indicators. 1) The color of 'Charentais' changes from pale green to creamy yellow. 2) The blossom end (opposite the stem) yields slightly to gentle pressure. 3) Unlike muskmelons, 'Charentais' and other cantaloupes do not abscise, or slip from the vine when ripe; cut from vine, rather than pulling or twisting, to avoid damaging plant and fruit. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 7 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 1
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
11 reviews
- DAN V.OH, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars9/22/25yum
I had a total of 2-3 plants grow from the seeds. There was 1 canteloupe. It was the size of a man's fist. Quite tasty! Had to be picked due to gnaw marks from some animal. Partially my fault with a late start date (we moved house not long before).
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? In GroundBIBotanical Interests9/29/25Hey Dan,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the Charentais Cantaloupe Melon Seeds! Despite the late start and the challenges that come with moving, it sounds like you still managed to grow a delicious melon - and that's no small feat!
Charentais melons are known for their incredible flavor, so we're thrilled you got to experience that authentic French cantaloupe taste, even from a smaller fruit. Sometimes the smaller melons can actually be more concentrated in flavor, which it sounds like you discovered!
Late planting can definitely impact vine development and fruit size, but the fact that you got flowering, fruit set, and a tasty harvest shows your plants were doing well given the circumstances. As for those gnaw marks - ah, the eternal gardener's struggle with wildlife! At least you got to enjoy it before they finished it off.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, especially during what sounds like a busy season with your move. Here's to better timing and hopefully even more melons next season!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- LAURA J.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/18/245 Stars
Love this melon. Can’t wait to grow one!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Barbara M.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars9/20/243 Stars
The weather here this summer was not conducive to grow this delicate melon
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - Simon R.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/9/245 Stars
First time for growing Charantais melons. The plants have been vigorous, many flowers, and now a reasonable fruit set. Melons should be ripe soon.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - HeidiRated 5 out of 5 stars7/9/245 Stars
Something new to try for next year!