Smaller, sweet variety of about 500 grams, which ripens safely in the Central European climate.
Unit
| Graduated prices | |
|---|---|
| From 50 seeds for €0,110 per seed | |
| From 100 seeds for €0,090 per seed | |
| From 500 seeds for €0,054 per seed | |
| From 1000 seeds for €0,044 per seed | |
Cucumis melo (Melon) Petit Gris de Rennes is an authentic French heirloom melon with a long history and an unsurpassed reputation. Originating in the region around Rennes in Brittany, this variety is known as one of the most flavorful melons you can grow in a temperate climate. The name 'Petit Gris' refers to its characteristic gray-brown skin, while the fruits themselves stand out with their deep orange, intensely sweet, and aromatic flesh. This variety is a true classic for gardeners who prioritize quality over quantity.
Petit Gris de Rennes is an annual climber in the Cucurbitaceae family that forms compact but vigorous tendrils. The plant is particularly suitable for both large vegetable gardens and smaller plots thanks to its relatively manageable growth.
Leaves: Large, bright green, and slightly hairy. They provide good protection from sunlight and help the fruit ripen evenly.
Flowers: The plant produces numerous yellow flowers, which attract many bees and other pollinators. Thanks to its strong pollination, this variety is known for its reliable fruit set, even in cooler climates.
Fruits:
Petit Gris produces small to medium-sized melons weighing 700–900 grams, perfect for individual consumption. The fruits have a grayish-green to grayish-brown rind, often very subtly ribbed. Inside, you'll find a rich, dark orange flesh that is extremely juicy, fragrant, and intensely sweet. Many connoisseurs even consider this variety one of the best-tasting cantaloupes in the world.
One of the reasons Petit Gris de Rennes is so popular in northwestern Europe is its excellent tolerance for shorter, cooler summers. While many melons require warmth and a long growing season, this variety is remarkably forgiving.
Ideal growing conditions:
Location: sunny and sheltered
Soil: fertile, humus-rich and well-drained
Cultivation: suitable for greenhouse and open ground
Growing and sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from March–April
Transplant after the last frost, preferably when the soil has warmed up well.
Planting distance: 50–60 cm
Water regularly at the base of the plant
Mulching to retain moisture and keep the fruits clean
Petit Gris typically ripens in 70–80 days, making it one of the earliest and most reliable heirloom melons.
Top-notch taste: One of the sweetest and most aromatic melons available.
Suitable for cool climates: Performs well in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Compact plant: Space-saving, ideal for smaller gardens.
Consistent fruit set: Reliable, even during variable summers.
Historical Heritage: A traditional French variety with lots of charm.
Perfect size: Handy fruits, ideal for one or two people.
Petit Gris de Rennes is culinary very versatile and ideal for anyone who loves refined flavors:
Fresh food: Perfect as a dessert or refreshing snack.
Salads: Pairs well with basil, mint, prosciutto, or soft cheeses.
Smoothies: Provides a rich, sweet base.
Gastronomic dishes: Excellent for refined presentation in restaurant kitchens.
Desserts: Ideal for sorbets, coulis and melon-yoghurt bowls.
Vegetable gardens: Compact growth makes it suitable for any size garden.
Greenhouses: Gives an extra sweet harvest.
Vertical cultivation: Can be guided upwards to save space.
Historic Gardens: A wonderful choice for lovers of traditional varieties.
Water at the base to prevent leaf diseases.
Lightly prune vines for larger, sweeter fruits.
Harvest when the skin changes color slightly and the melon gives off an intense aroma.
Use a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and the fruits clean.
Cucumis melo Petit Gris de Rennes is a historic, aromatic, and highly reliable melon variety that thrives in temperate climates. The combination of a compact plant, early ripening, and phenomenal flavor makes this variety a favorite among connoisseurs. With Petit Gris, you're not just buying a melon—you're bringing a piece of French gardening history and the intensely sweet flavor of Brittany into your own vegetable garden.
Height
Article number
Number of seeds per gram
Tips for sowing
Delivered as
*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.
