How does the “Romashka” melon differ from other varieties and is it worth growing?

Melon belongs to the melon crops. The country of origin is Africa, but melon was brought to Europe only in the 16th century. Today, the crop is actively grown by gardeners in the southern regions, since fertile soil and a warm climate are needed for a rich harvest.

In this article we will look at one of the most popular varieties - Chamomile, we will study the features of its cultivation and ways to increase productivity.

Description of the melon variety Chamomile

Before growing a melon on your plot, it is worth studying the characteristics of the variety and its distinctive features. Chamomile shows excellent results only in nutritious soil, and only large seeds must be selected for sowing. Chamomile, like most melons, ripens gradually; the fruiting period of the variety is extended.

Distinctive features

Chamomile is a mid-season variety; the first harvest is obtained 80-90 days after planting. Bushes of medium foliage, compact. The variety is unpretentious in care, but sometimes requires the formation of a bush. Melon is perfectly adapted to hot and dry climates, so gardeners recommend planting it in the Astrakhan and Voronezh regions.

Characteristics

The fruits are slightly elongated, round, pale yellow with green veins. The pulp is white, dense. The taste of Chamomile is not as pronounced and sweet as, for example, most muscadine varieties, but the melon has a pleasant structure and freshness.

In addition, the fruits are perfectly stored due to their dense and hard peel, and also tolerate long-distance transportation well. The weight of a melon is from 1.5 to 4 kg, and from one bush gardeners collect about 6 kg of beautiful yellow fruits.

Interesting! The pulp contains natural, easily digestible sugars, as well as protein, starch, pectin, organic acids, fiber, mineral elements and vitamins. The product is especially valued in the prevention of heart, kidney and urinary tract diseases. Melon contains valuable iron, which is useful for low hemoglobin, anemia, and general fatigue.

How to grow this variety yourself

First of all, take care of future beds. Since melon loves vitamin-rich and loose soil, in the fall, dig up the soil using a spade and add humus at the rate of 4 kg per 1 sq. m. m. If the area is clayey, add river sand or sawdust.

With the arrival of spring, dig up the beds again, and then apply phosphorus or potassium fertilizers. Before planting directly, add rotted manure to the ground; it will serve as a good nitrogen fertilizer.

Landing

Before planting, disinfect the seeds with a solution of boric acid and zinc sulfate. To disinfect, simply soak the seed for 12 hours, then remove and dry. Experienced gardeners also recommend hardening the seeds before sowing by immersing them in cold water for 18 hours, and then in warm water for 20 hours. Repeat these steps for two weeks. Hardening strengthens the plant's immunity and protects against diseases.

Make holes in the prepared soil at a distance of 80 cm from each other. It is best to plant Chamomile after all frosts, around the end of May-beginning of June.Sprinkle the planted seeds with soil and water. In the first few days, create artificial shade for the seedlings, this will help them adapt better. If the weather is cool outside, cover the sprouts with plastic wrap.

Important! Many people use the seedling method of planting. Prepare the plants 25 days before planting in open ground. To do this, place soil in peat tablets and plant 2-3 seeds in each container. The seedlings are placed in a warm and dry place with an air temperature of 18 degrees. Caring for seedlings is simple, the main thing is that when watering, water does not fall on the stems and leaves, but goes directly to the root.

Care

While Chamomile is growing in the ground, it is necessary to regularly water, weed and fertilize the beds. Let's take a closer look at how to care for melons to reap a rich harvest:

1. Loosen the soil carefully so as not to injure the roots of the plant. It is best to loosen the soil 10-15 cm, away from the rhizome. After the side shoots appear, the plant is hilled up so that the stems receive as many useful substances as possible.
2. Water the soil moderately, because melon does not like excess moisture. Wait until the soil dries and then water the Chamomile. Moderate watering will help avoid rotting of the bushes and loss of crops.
3. Don't forget to remove weeds. The fact is that weeds increase the risk of developing diseases and pests, so every 10-12 days, by weeding, rid the beds of extraneous vegetation.
4. As for fertilizers, gardeners prefer to use phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers. Without them, it is almost impossible to get a juicy and beautiful melon. As the plant grows, fertilizing is done every 2-3 weeks. They use infusions of herbs, humus, bird droppings, humus and ash.

If you grow melon in a greenhouse, do not forget to regularly ventilate the structure. The greenhouse has a special microclimate and high humidity, so it is important to let fresh air into it.

Also keep an eye on pollination: if it is not going well naturally, you should intervene. Check the ovary flowers at the base. If there is one, then it is a female flower; if not, then male. Take a small brush and transfer pollen from the male flower to the female flower.

Interesting! French King Henry VI condemned melon for stomach upset caused by excessive consumption of the product. In an official setting, the melon was publicly found guilty. However, after some time, this incident was erased from memory, and people again began to eat melon.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

Often, gardeners grow melon in a spread pattern, that is, in vines spread across the garden bed. The main shoot is pinched above the fourth leaf, as a result of which 2 side shoots grow, which are pinched after a while. With this technique, all nutrients go to the formation of fruits, and not to the development of tops.

When growing melons, gardeners are faced with the problem of rot. The fact is that the stems often cannot support the weight of the fruit, which is why the melons end up on the ground. Due to dampness they begin to rot. To prevent this, place a small board under each fruit.

Another important point is the growth of the root system. Melon roots go deep into the ground; in warm regions, this is how the plant obtains water. It is important to make the roots grow wider, not deeper. This can be achieved by watering along the furrows, which are located between the rows. Be sure to loosen and weed the beds before watering.

Plus, regularly apply organic fertilizers and mineral complexes. Ideally, root feeding alternates with foliar feeding, due to which the crop rarely gets sick and shows excellent results.

The following remedies are recognized as the most effective:

1. Infusion of grass and manure. Irrigation with its use reduces the acidity of the soil and makes the soil more nutritious and beneficial for crop development. Any herb is suitable for preparing an infusion.
2. The ash solution improves the taste of the fruit.
3. Potassium monophosphate controls water balance and allows fruit to set quickly.
4. Calcium nitrate protects against rot and common crop diseases.

Diseases and pests

Melon of the Romashka variety, like many melons, has a predisposition to a number of diseases. They usually occur due to improper care or high humidity.

The most common diseases:

1. Root rot which “paints” the roots a rusty color, making them weak and thin. After some time, the leaves dry out, causing the plant to die. As a preventative measure, use mandatory seed disinfection before planting.
2. Fusarium wilt is a fungal infection. Appears during flowering or fruiting. The leaves fade and become covered with a gray coating. If measures are not taken in time, the plant dies within 1 week. Even if the crop was saved, the fruits will be less tasty and sweet. Phosphorus and potassium products are suitable for prevention.
3. Downy mildew is another fungus. Appears as small yellow spots on the leaves. Over time, the leaves become diseased and gray in color.If you get sick, gardeners are advised to immediately seek help from professional medications, for example, Topaz or Oksikhom. It is important to follow the indicated dosage and manufacturer’s recommendations.

The most dangerous pest is the melon fly. In addition to melon, the insect harms watermelons and cucumbers. The larvae get inside the fruit, where they begin to rot. Within 8-18 days, the pest is capable of destroying 100% of the crop.

If you find a deep spot on a melon, immediately pick it and burn it away from the beds. Then treat the melon beds with Condifor or Fufanon.

For preventive purposes, gardeners advise treating beds with Zenit or Rapier products.

Spraying is carried out twice per season. The first time is after the formation of the first leaves, and the second time is during the formation of loops. The appearance of the pest will also be prevented by observing crop rotation and timely application of mineral and organic fertilizers.

Harvesting and application

Ripening time depends on climatic conditions, soil conditions and care characteristics. The sweet aroma will help you understand whether the Chamomile variety is ripe or not. Ripe fruits have a classic melon smell. If the melon does not smell, it means it is not yet ripe.

Important! A well-known method will help you understand the degree of ripeness - tapping the fruit with your palm. If the sound is dull, then the melon is ripe. In addition, ripe fruits acquire a uniform pale yellow color.

A dry and windless day is chosen for collection. Place the collected ripe fruits in the sun. Within a week, the melons dry out - this will increase their shelf life. If you want to preserve the harvest longer, select only whole and even fruits with a stalk of 5 cm.The optimal temperature for storage is from 5 to 15 degrees.

Melons are mainly used to make desserts and sweet dishes, however, the taste of Chamomile is also suitable for preparing snacks and salads.

For example, fried melon in batter, pasta salad with shrimp and melon, and chicken fillet with melon salsa will decorate the table. But desserts made from melon are especially appreciated - jelly, smoothies, milkshakes, marmalade, sorbet, ice cream.

Interesting! Even sweet soup is made from melon. And from the juice of melon, lime and orange with the addition of cinnamon and mint you can create a delicious and refreshing summer dessert.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Chamomile variety is valued for its ease of care and attractive presentation. Melon itself, as well as dishes using melon, are not only tasty, but also healthy. Due to the rich content of vitamins and macroelements, the product is actively used in dietary nutrition.

Among the disadvantages, gardeners note the fact that the Chamomile variety has an insufficiently sweet taste. The variety is also susceptible to some crop diseases, and produces a good harvest only on a fertile and nutritious bed.

Reviews about the Chamomile variety

Gardeners across the country share their impressions of the Chamomile variety with each other. Here's what they say about culture in different parts of Russia:

Irina, Sochi: “I had never heard of the Chamomile variety before, until one day the seller advised me to buy seeds. I grew it with seedlings, although the soil in the garden is fertile. The fruits set together and did not cause any pain. At the end of July, I pinched the top and removed the side vines. The fruits turned out beautiful, taste juicy, and have moderate sweetness. In my opinion, the variety is excellent."

Mikhail, Moscow: “I really love sweet honeydew melons, their aroma and taste are incomparable.The Chamomile variety did not promise such results, but I still liked it. Easy to care for and requires minimal attention. The fruits are not bad, excellent for fresh consumption.”

Olga, Saratov: “I planted the Chamomile variety twice, and both times I was disappointed. The taste of the fruit is fresh, watery, there is no aroma or sweetness. I definitely won’t plant any more; I’d rather spend my time on more popular and productive crops.”

Conclusion

Melon Chamomile has many beneficial properties. The product is indispensable in the kitchen, especially in summer and autumn. Many people love melons, but they show stable yields only in the southern regions. Care is simple, consisting of watering, weeding and fertilizing the variety. Melon Chamomile has an excellent shelf life and tolerates transportation well over long distances.