[Arid_gardener] Re: When to Pick Ripe Melons

[Olin Miller]

----- Original Message ----- From: <steveazroses at yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 4:25 PM
> Steve 85284 steveazroses at yahoo.com
> I have Cantelope and Watermelons that are a good size. How do I know when
> they are ready to pick?
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Muskmelons are the cantaloupe varieties most commonly grown in our home
gardens.  They have netted rinds and are usually ribbed.  They are ripe when
the stem slips (breaks) from the vine with only a slight movement. The skin
under the netting changes from greenish to a dull yellow or amber color.
The blossom end may be soft with a muskmelon aroma.    In our hot summer
weather, muskmelons tend to ripen very rapidly so it is best to pick a few
days before "full slip' by separating the stem with a slight pressure
because, if overripe, insects like ants and other creepy crawlies will work
their way into the fruit.  Once picked, muskmelons do not continue to ripen.

True cantaloupes like the casabas, Crenshaws and honeydews need to be cut at
the stem.  It's harder to tell when they are ripe and I admit that I am not
very good at it.  One indicator is the skin turns dull and creamy or white,
depending on the variety.  When very ripe, they may also crack slightly at
the stem end.  True cantaloupes may ripen slightly after picking.

For watermelons, the most reliable method for farm lads from my generation
was to test for a certain sharp, hollow sound when thumped.  We had to be
certain the melons were ripe when grown in a truck patch for selling them
uncut at a roadside produce stand.  Most urban gardeners insist this method
is unreliable and I admit a takes a little practice and one might sacrifice
few melons during the learning process.  Another method was to remove a plug
for testing and pick the melon if it was ripe or, if not, restore the plug
and seal it with tape for a few more days;  this practice is not
recommended, especially in our hot climate, because it will begin to rot
right away at the plug site.  Other reliable indicators are that the
curlicue tendril on the vine at the stem will turn brown.  If all of the
tendrils on the vine from the melon to the roots also turn brown, that is a
better indicator.  The rind on ripe watermelons also becomes dull and the
ground spot changes from green to yellow.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ