100 Days to maturity. Cucumis melo. Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Seeds. A non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat-tolerant Melon. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. The Branco Do Ribatejo Melons mature into oval, striped melons with white husks. They weigh around 6-8 pounds and contain delicious and aromatic greenish-white flesh. This melon is Portugal's national favorite. It is sometimes called "Ribatejo melon" after the Ribatejo region of Portugal, where it originated. It has intensely sweet, flavorful, and juicy flesh and excellent storage qualities, making it ideal for shipping, market growers, and home gardeners who want to extend their harvest. ~900 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Cucumis melo Hardiness Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter Days to Maturity: 100 Days to Germination: 5-10 Seeding Depth: 0.5-1 inch Direct Sow: Yes, direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. Start Indoors: Yes. Melons may be started indoors 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed starting containers for long as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock. Melon Pollination: Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators. Melon Type: Other - There are many categories of melons and anything not included in one of the named categories here are included in 'other'. These include but aren't limited to Galia, Canary, Charentais, Winter, Piel de Sapo, Christmas melons, etc. Plant Spacing: 24 inches in row or 2-3 plants per hill. Row Spacing: 6 Feet Plant Height: 12-15 inches Plant Spread: 48-72 inches Plant Width: 48-72 inches Growth Habit: Sprawled, Trailing Vine Growth Speed:Late - Ready for harvest around 100-120 days or more. Deer Resistant: No Soil Preference: Melons prefer warm, well-draining but moist, nutrient-rich, loamy to sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-90 F). Germination Temperature: 70-95 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Generally, melons are commonly susceptible to pest damage by aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, cutworms, white flies, and melon worms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Melons are also susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, and Bacterial Wilt. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Color: Creamy white rind with stripes and greenish-white flesh. Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Flavor: Sweet, mild, and refreshing flavor. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed Melon Use: Fresh eating, salads, gourmet dishes, smoothies, desserts, charcuterie boards, and appetizers. Climate Tolerance: Heat Growing Branco Do Ribatejo Melon in the Vegetable Garden To grow Branco do Ribatejo melons in areas with a long growing season, it is best to directly sow the seeds in the garden when the soil reaches a temperature of 70 F or higher. This typically happens around 2 weeks after the last frost date. Growers with a short season can start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant the seedlings after the threat of frost has completely passed. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch deep, ensuring they are well-covered with soil but not too deep to hinder germination. Since Branco do Ribatejo is a vining melon, spacing is crucial for adequate growth. Plant seeds or seedlings 24 inches apart within rows, leaving 6 feet between rows to allow for the sprawling vines. For gardeners practicing hill planting, sow 3-4 seeds per hill, spaced 6 feet apart, and thin to the two strongest plants per hill once seedlings emerge. Hill planting helps improve drainage and gives the vines room to sprawl. Hardening off seedlings is recommended if starting indoors. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting, allowing them to adjust to sunlight and temperature variations. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering encourages root growth, with around 1-2 inches of water per week being ideal. However, avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases. Once flowering begins, switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruiting over leafy growth. Pruning is generally unnecessary unless removing damaged or overcrowded leaves to improve air circulation. Because of its vining growth habit, melon plants should be trellised to promote vertical growth, improve airflow, and keep the fruit off the ground. Harvesting Branco Do Ribatejo Melon You will know it is ripe when the melon’s skin turns pale cream, and the vine near the stem starts to crack or wither. The melon should easily detach from the vine with gentle pressure. Additionally, a ripe melon will emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. To harvest, carefully cut the melon from the vine using a sharp knife or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant or fruit. It’s best to handle the fruit gently to prevent bruising, especially if it will be stored before consumption. About Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Garden Seeds Branco do Ribatejo melons originate from the Ribatejo region of Portugal, a fertile agricultural area along the Tagus River. The name “Branco” refers to the melon’s pale, white-to-cream exterior, while “Ribatejo” pays homage to the region from which it hails. This variety was bred for its adaptability to southern Europe's warm, dry climate and its exceptional storage quality, allowing the melons to be enjoyed well after harvest. The melon’s mild sweetness makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, while its firm texture holds up well in salads or as a snack. Stories From Our Gardeners "Many melons are from the Mediterranean region generally, but this is the only melon I’ve heard of that claims to be specifically from Portugal. What a great way to connect to Portuguese heritage!" - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Branco Do Ribatejo Melon Seeds Per Package: 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 90 Seeds 0.25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 225 Seeds 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 900 Seeds 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,600 Seeds 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 14,400 Seeds 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 72,000 Seeds 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 360,000 Seeds Non-GMO Branco Do Ribatejo Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
