Melon

To grow petits gris de Rennes melons in the ground, it is important to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting the seeds, we recommend soaking them in water for a few hours to speed up germination.

The best time to plant Rennes small grey melons is in spring, when the risk of frost has passed. Dig holes about 50cm deep and space the plants about 1 metre apart.

Once the plants are in place, be sure to water them regularly, especially during periods of intense heat. It's also advisable to mulch the soil around the plants to conserve moisture and limit weed growth.

This will encourage the plants to grow more quickly.

To encourage fruit development, the main stems can be pinched back once the plant has reached a certain height. This will encourage the formation of new shoots and therefore additional melons.

When growing the Petit Gris de Rennes melon in natural gardening, pruning plays an important role in encouraging the fruiting and growth of the plant. Training pruning involves cutting back the lateral stems to encourage the development of the main plant. It is recommended to cut these stems when they are 30 to 40 cm long. Maintenance pruning involves removing dead leaves and stems to improve air circulation and limit disease. Fruiting pruning, on the other hand, involves removing the leaves that hide the fruit to expose them to the sun and encourage ripening.

For fruit production, it's important to know that Petit Gris de Rennes melons produce fruit on the year's stems. It is therefore advisable to prune the lateral stems that do not bear fruit to concentrate the plant's energy on fruit growth. Pruning should be carried out using clean, disinfected tools to limit the risk of disease. By following these pruning tips, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful, tasty Petit Gris de Rennes melons in your garden.

For a natural crop of petits gris de Rennes melons, it's important to know that they are ready to harvest from August until September. To check if the melon is ripe, gently tap it with your fingers: if it sounds hollow, it's ready to be picked. Cut off the stem with a clean knife, leaving a small piece of it attached to the melon.

Once harvested, Petit Gris de Rennes melons will keep for about a week at room temperature. To extend their shelf life, they can be placed in the fridge. They should be eaten quickly to enjoy their sweet, delicate flavour. It is preferable not to use chemical fertilisers to grow these melons, favouring natural, environmentally-friendly cultivation.