Aphrodite

Aphrodite produces large melons weighing 6 to 8 lbs. and matures 2-3 days earlier than Athena. It has shown improved netting, which is an important advantage for fall plantings or under stressful conditions where the netting can be weak. Aphrodite muskmelon stores and ships well after harvest and its salmon colored flesh is firm and sweet. Special Instructions: Melons will thrive in warm, well-draining soil high in organic matter with pH between 6.5-7.5. Sandy loam is best. Melons are heavy feeders. Give 80-120 lbs of N per acre. Calcium deficiency can lead to blossom end rot, especially when adequate moisture is not available. Use dolomitic limestone. Manganese in excess can cause black spot. When Boron is deficient, fruit may crack. When to harvest: Harvesting melons at perfect maturity can be tricky, each type is a little different. In general: cantaloupes slip from vine when ripe; charantais types can be cut when they have a thick netted skin (they are a bit over-ripe if they slip); galia types slip from the vine and are ready when skin turns bright yellow; honeydews can be cut from the vine when skin turns color. Other indicators of ripeness are when the leaf closest to fruit becomes dried and shriveled and when the stem becomes corky. *** The first flowers to appear on the vines are male, and drop naturally. The later flowers are female and form the fruit.