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By DRj DIANE RELF
Extension Consumer Horticulturist
Most home gardeners have had the unpleasant experience of discovering that the muskmelon they grew had a bitter or off-flavor.
Here are some reasons a muskmelon can taste wrong. Although the comments refer specifically to the cantaloupe-type melons (botanical var. reticulatis), they also are applicable to the honeydew-type melons (botanical var. inodorus)
Last Week of Growth
Is a Crucial To Flavor
The off flavor of muskmelons is due to a lack of sugars. Almost half of the final concentration of sugars is accumulated during the last week of fruit maturation so although care is necessary throughout the growing , season, it is most important at the end.
There are thrre general rules to growing muskmelons. 1) maintain healthy foliage, 2) avoid excessive soil moisture, and 3) harvest only when
Maintaiffwg healthy, green foliage until final not only keeps your garden looking nice, but also is important to the ripening fruit. Drought, nutrient deficiencies, and weed, insect, and disease stress can seriously limit the plant’s ability to ^ produce and develop fruit. Pest control programs, irrigation, and fertilizing must be practiced consistently as neglect during fruit ripening time can dramatically reduce fruit quality.
Avoid excessive soil moisture. As expected, the effect of soil moisture on sugar content of muskmelon \ is particularly serious when the soil y is saturated or near-saturated for prolonged periods of time.
Watch for Other Ways To
Avoid Too Much Moisture
Other conditions that limit photosynthesis, such as overcast skies, would accentuate 4he excessive moisture effect oh muskmelon quality. If you have soil that holds water
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