Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners

Reviewed on 09/23/2004 by George Morrison - An experienced gardener
Overall Taste Yield Ease	Westchester, New York, United States Frost Free Season: 163 - 183 days Soil Texture: Clay Garden Size: Medium - 400 square feet to 1,600 square feet Sun Exposure: Less than 6 hours per day
Trocadero is a Charentais type melon (sometimes referred to as a Cavaillon type after the town in France famous for such melons). Its unique aroma and flavor are worth the effort of growing it. Start it indoors (allow at least three weeks) so that it is ready for transplanting as soon as nighttime temperatures have steadied at 60 F. Prepare the soil well, with plenty of compost and well rotted manure. Some low nitrogen fertilizer in the bottom of a foot square hole of at least a spade's depth, to which the compost, manure and top soil have been back-filled, will really give the plants the boost they require. Give the sprawling vines the room they need; or let them climb a fence. Do not expect a large crop. Three or four two pound melons per plant will be well worth the investment of time and space. Although somewhat disease resistant, wilt is not unknown. Avoid watering after the melons have reached mature size. Pick them when they change to buff colored. They do not slip as ordinary cantaloupes do. The aroma is a tip off but be carelful not to let them become overripe. Trocadero is a real treat!