Charlston Grey melon is a mid-season variety with an unusual fruit shape and color, featuring elongated-cylindrical fruits resembling large zucchini. Fruit weight ranges from 11 to 18 kg, length reaches 40-50 cm, and diameter — 30-35 cm. The skin is light green, free of distinct stripes, up to 20 mm thick, providing excellent heat resistance and high transportability. The flesh is bright pink, crisp, juicy, and sweet with 10-11% sugar content, retaining its flavor and aroma even after 2-3 months of storage. Harvesting occurs 4-5 days before full ripeness, and overripe fruits are recommended for immediate consumption.
The plant is robust, with long stems and dense foliage, developing well even with minimal agrotechnology. It prefers sandy, well-lit, and warmed areas without strong drafts. For improved taste, regular root watering and application of organic and mineral fertilizers are recommended. The variety is resistant to fusarium, anthracnose, and false powdery mildew, but requires treatment against aphids and spider mites.
Charlston Grey is intended for cultivation in the main season and is suitable for all regions of Ukraine. The vegetation period is approximately 70-85 days from transplanting seedlings or emergence of mass seedlings. Planting rate — 6 to 10 thousand plants per hectare, with 1-2 large fruits per plant. Yield potential with irrigation reaches 100-120 tons per hectare. Due to its high yield, excellent transportability, and outstanding taste, this variety is ideal for fresh market sales.
