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Cucumis melo (Melon) Noir de Carmes

Cucumis melo (Melon) Noir de Carmes

Distinctly ribbed, dark green, and weighing about 1–1.5 kg, the flesh is tasty and strongly aromatic.

Unit

seed
Graduated prices
From 50 seeds for 0,090 per seed
From 100 seeds for 0,075 per seed
From 500 seeds for 0,044 per seed
From 1000 seeds for 0,038 per seed
Total amount (seed)
Total incl. VAT: 5,45Total (excl. VAT): 4,50

Description

Cucumis melo Noir de Carmes – French heirloom melon with exceptional taste and color

Cucumis melo (Melon) Noir de Carmes is a classic French heirloom melon renowned since the 18th century for its beautiful color, intensely aromatic flavor, and distinctive rind texture. This traditional variety was originally cultivated by the monks of the Carmes Order, from which it takes its name. Noir de Carmes is a real eye-catcher: a melon with a dark, almost blackish-green rind that splits open as it ripens, revealing a vibrant orange, sweet flesh. It's a melon for gourmets and a gem for any vegetable garden.

Botanical characteristics

Noir de Carmes is a vigorously growing annual melon plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It forms long tendrils that can grow horizontally or be trained along a trellis.

Leaves: Large, dark green leaves with a matt, slightly hairy texture that provides protection from intense sunlight.

Flowers: The small but striking yellow flowers attract many pollinating insects, which ensures excellent fruit set.

Fruits:
The fruits of Noir de Carmes are medium-sized (1–1.5 kg) and unique in appearance. They have a dark green to almost black skin that is deeply ribbed. When fully ripe, the color changes to bronze-green, and the fruit may even split slightly, a characteristic sign that it is time to harvest. The flesh is deep orange, juicy, intensely sweet, and very aromatic, with a rich, almost spicy aftertaste.

Growth and location

Although Noir de Carmes was historically grown in France, this variety is surprisingly cool-tolerant and suitable for gardeners in temperate climates.

Ideal growing conditions:

  • Sunny, warm location

  • Nutritious, airy and well-drained soil

  • Suitable for both greenhouse and sheltered open ground

Sowing and planting advice:

  • Sow indoors: March–April

  • Plant out: after the last frost, when the soil temperature is above 15°C.

  • Planting distance: 60–80 cm

  • Water regularly, preferably at the base of the plant

  • Additional fertilization during fruit setting promotes a better harvest

Noir de Carmes thrives in warm locations, but its heritage has adapted it to shorter summers, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in northwestern Europe.

Benefits of Noir de Carmes

  • Exceptional taste: Very sweet and aromatic, loved by gourmets.

  • Unique skin: Dark, almost black, with deep ribs – a rare and striking appearance.

  • Natural ripeness indicator: The rind changes color and may split open to indicate the melon is perfectly ripe.

  • Heirloom variety: Beautiful historic plant with a rich history.

  • Suitable for cooler climates: Outperforms many modern melons in cooler summers.

  • Decorative and productive: A beautiful plant with a high yield and ornamental value.

Culinary applications

Noir de Carmes is culinary versatile and is known for its rich taste:

  • Fresh food: Perfect for breakfast, dessert or a healthy snack.

  • Salads: Combines well with mint, basil, feta or Serrano ham.

  • Smoothies and juices: Gives an intense, sweet aroma.

  • Gourmet dishes: Ideal for luxurious fruit platters or refined culinary combinations.

  • Preserves: Suitable for jam, sorbet or grilled melon.

Use in the vegetable garden

  • Classic Vegetable Gardens: A beautiful heirloom variety that adds history to your garden.

  • Vertical cultivation: The vines can be guided, which saves space.

  • Greenhouses: In a greenhouse the taste becomes even more intensely sweet.

  • Show gardens: The dark-colored fruits are real eye-catchers.

Care tips

  • Keep the leaves dry to prevent mildew.

  • Mulch the soil to retain moisture.

  • Prune excess tendrils to direct energy to the fruits.

  • Harvest once the skin changes from black-green to bronze-green and light cracks appear.

Summary

Cucumis melo Noir de Carmes is a historic French melon variety with an unparalleled combination of flavor, aroma, and appearance. Its almost black rind, orchestra of sweet and aromatic flavors, and reliable growth make it a top choice for gardeners seeking something special. Noir de Carmes is a melon that makes a lasting impression both in the garden and on the table.

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Height

Creeping plant that spreads outwards rather than growing upwards.

Article number

NC56282

Number of seeds per gram

About 35

Tips for sowing

Dark germinator. Optimal germination temperature: 20-30°C. A constant soil temperature of around 25°C is ideal.

Delivered as

Normal seed.

*The information on this website is provided solely for guidance and to assist in selecting and growing the products. Easyseed accepts no liability for the final results.