{"product_id":"melon-d-hiver-fenpidonggua-ab","title":"WINTER MELON FENPIDONGGUA AB","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFenpidonggua winter melon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a local Chinese variety from \u003cstrong\u003eChangsha\u003c\/strong\u003e city. It is late-ripening and vigorous, producing large cylindrical fruits \u003cstrong\u003e65-70 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e long and \u003cstrong\u003e20-25 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e in diameter, weighing between \u003cstrong\u003e15 and 25 kg\u003c\/strong\u003e . Its hairy skin is covered with a white wax when ripe, and its flesh is white in color. This variety is heat-resistant and keeps well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e In China, it is commonly eaten \u003cstrong\u003ecooked in a wok\u003c\/strong\u003e , in \u003cstrong\u003esoup\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong\u003estuffed\u003c\/strong\u003e , or \u003cstrong\u003esteamed\u003c\/strong\u003e . It is also traditionally used as a \u003cstrong\u003epreserve\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003edrink\u003c\/strong\u003e . An interesting recipe to try: replace the zucchini with this melon in a \u003cstrong\u003eratatouille\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Successful Melon Sowing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e Melon seedlings in pots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eMelons need \u003cstrong\u003eplenty of heat\u003c\/strong\u003e (between \u003cstrong\u003e24 and 35°C\u003c\/strong\u003e ) and \u003cstrong\u003elight\u003c\/strong\u003e to germinate. The temperature during the day should be within this range, and not drop below \u003cstrong\u003e15°C\u003c\/strong\u003e at night. Ideally, you should sow your seeds in \u003cstrong\u003ea warm frame\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eheated greenhouse\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong\u003eMarch\/April\u003c\/strong\u003e and replant them in the garden after \u003cstrong\u003emid-May\u003c\/strong\u003e , once the risk of frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Sow \u003cstrong\u003e2 or 3 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e (point downwards) per pot filled with fine seed compost, \u003cstrong\u003e1 cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Water regularly to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) with a sprayer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Place the pots near a window or in bright light. As soon as the seedlings are out, make sure they receive \u003cstrong\u003eplenty of light\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Remove the weakest plants and keep only the most vigorous ones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n \u003ch3\u003eMelon seedlings in place\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e This method is more suitable for people living in the \u003cstrong\u003esouth of France\u003c\/strong\u003e or in \u003cstrong\u003eMediterranean climates\u003c\/strong\u003e , where it is possible to sow directly in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Space the seeds \u003cstrong\u003e80 cm to 1 m\u003c\/strong\u003e between each melon plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Place \u003cstrong\u003e2 to 3 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e per pocket \u003cstrong\u003e1.5 cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e , and cover them with a mixture of \u003cstrong\u003esifted garden soil\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003emature compost\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Use a \u003cstrong\u003ecloche\u003c\/strong\u003e or a \u003cstrong\u003eframe\u003c\/strong\u003e to shelter the seedlings at the beginning of the growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Keep only the most beautiful plant for later.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Melon Plantation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Young plants can be planted between \u003cstrong\u003eApril and mid-June\u003c\/strong\u003e , depending on your region. If you are in a cooler region, using a \u003cstrong\u003eplastic tunnel\u003c\/strong\u003e or a \u003cstrong\u003eheated greenhouse\u003c\/strong\u003e is strongly recommended to maintain the warmth necessary for their development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n \u003cli\u003eEnsure a spacing of \u003cstrong\u003e80 cm to 1 m\u003c\/strong\u003e between each plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Melons prefer a \u003cstrong\u003esunny location\u003c\/strong\u003e , rich, deep, well-aerated soil, with a good \u003cstrong\u003epotash\u003c\/strong\u003e content. Don't hesitate to \u003cstrong\u003eloosen\u003c\/strong\u003e the soil a little and add \u003cstrong\u003ecompost\u003c\/strong\u003e before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Vegetable Garden Association\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Melon grows well with \u003cstrong\u003emost vegetables\u003c\/strong\u003e , except \u003cstrong\u003ecucumbers\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003esquash\u003c\/strong\u003e . Avoid planting these vegetables nearby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Melon Culture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Newer melon varieties do not require pruning except for \u003cstrong\u003etopping\u003c\/strong\u003e (cutting off the head). As soon as the plant has formed \u003cstrong\u003e4 to 6 leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e , prune the main stem to encourage good branching and more abundant fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n \u003cli\u003eWatering should be regular but moderate, as excess water could harm the taste of the fruit. Do not wet the foliage to avoid the appearance of \u003cstrong\u003epowdery mildew\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Weed after planting to avoid competition, then \u003cstrong\u003emulch\u003c\/strong\u003e when the soil is warm (end of June-beginning of July).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Remove leaves that shade the fruit to give them maximum sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Place boards or tiles under the fruit to protect it from soil moisture and provide additional warmth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Melon Harvest\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Melons are harvested about \u003cstrong\u003e2-3 months\u003c\/strong\u003e after transplanting. The fruit color becomes paler, and the stem should begin to peel off easily. The aroma becomes more pronounced, and a \u003cstrong\u003esmall crack\u003c\/strong\u003e at the base of the fruit indicates that it is ready to peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not store the melon in the refrigerator, as this will alter its aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e Melon Diseases\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Melon is vulnerable to \u003cstrong\u003emildew\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong\u003eleaf spot\u003c\/strong\u003e , and \u003cstrong\u003epowdery mildew\u003c\/strong\u003e . It is crucial to avoid watering the foliage, especially late in the day, to prevent infections, especially during stormy periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The main pests are \u003cstrong\u003eaphids\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eseed flies\u003c\/strong\u003e . To avoid fly attacks, it is recommended to plant when temperatures are high enough to allow rapid plant growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e At the end of the season, protect the melons by placing a \u003cstrong\u003etile\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eboard\u003c\/strong\u003e under each fruit to protect them from soil moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ENSACHAGE FDSM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42111337857105,"sku":"2171A","price":4.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0643\/9193\/8129\/files\/MELON-D_HIVER-FENPIDONGGUA-AB-ENSACHAGE-FDSM-71305681.jpg?v=1749035257","url":"https:\/\/www.fermedesaintemarthe.live\/en\/products\/melon-d-hiver-fenpidonggua-ab","provider":"La Ferme de Sainte Marthe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}