Cucumis melo Rich Sweetness – Exotic mini-melon with intense aromas and spectacular colors

Cucumis melo (Melon) Rich Sweetness, also known as Rich Sweetness 132, is one of the most unique and decorative melon varieties you can grow in the home garden. This spectacular mini-melon is distinguished by its deeply striped rind, compact size, and exceptionally sweet, aromatic flavor. With its striking yellow-red color and fruity aroma, this heirloom variety is a real eye-catcher—both in the garden and in the kitchen.

For lovers of special and tasty varieties, Rich Sweetness is a must-have: a plant that effortlessly combines ornamental value, taste and nostalgic heritage.

Appearance and botanical characteristics

Rich Sweetness is a compact variety within the Cucumis melo species, ideal for gardeners who want to grow something new and visually stunning.

Fruits:

• Small, round melons of about 5–8 cm

• Striking color: yellow with bright red to orange-red stripes

• Very aromatic, both in smell and taste

• Sweet, juicy flesh with a distinct melon aroma

These mini melons are not only delicious to eat, but also aesthetically pleasing and perfect for decorative purposes, gift baskets, culinary presentations, and children's vegetable gardens.

Plant growth:

• Annual climbing plant

• Climbing, yet relatively compact

• Grows well along fences, nets or on raised beds

Leaves:
Slightly hairy, fresh green and typically lobed like other melon varieties.

Origin and background

Rich Sweetness is an heirloom variety originating in Russia and Central Asia. It was selected for its cold tolerance, early ripening, and excellent flavor, making it one of the most successful melons for growers in temperate climates like the Netherlands and Belgium.

Growth and location

This variety is surprisingly robust and easier to grow than many other melons, even in open ground. Its compact growth also makes it ideal for balconies, patios, and small gardens.

Ideal growing conditions:

• Sun: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours of light per day)

• Soil: Airy, humus-rich and well-drained

• Temperature: Heat-loving, but tolerates changeable summers better than many melons

Sowing instructions:

• Sow in April–May

• Plant out after the last frost

• Planting distance approx. 50 cm

• Recommended for both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation

Care:

• Water at the base, not over the leaves

• A mulch layer helps keep the soil warm and moist

• If necessary, train tendrils for efficient use of space

This melon ripens quickly, often in 65–75 days, making it one of the earliest melons.

Fruit yield and harvest

Rich Sweetness is a very productive variety: one plant can produce dozens of mini-melons.

Harvest ready when:

• The color is bright and fully developed

• The fruit gives off a sweet, strong aroma

• The skin gives slightly when pressed gently

The small fruit size means Rich Sweetness ripens as quickly as a large tomato – ideal for impatient gardeners and children.

Culinary and decorative applications

These mini melons are not only fun to look at, but also surprisingly versatile.

Culinary applications:

• Eating fresh from the hand

• Perfect for fruit salads

• Nice addition to cheese boards

• Ideal for garnishes and luxurious presentations

• Delicious in yoghurt, smoothies or desserts

Decoration:

• Beautiful in table pieces

• Suitable for party decorations

• Ideal for gift baskets and children's gardens

• Photogenic for food photography

Why choose Rich Sweetness?

• Intensely sweet and aromatic

• Spectacular, striped fruits

• Compact and productive

• Perfect for cooler climates

• Low maintenance requirements

• Suitable for open ground, greenhouse and pots

• Early maturing heirloom variety with high ornamental value

Summary

Cucumis melo Rich Sweetness is a unique heirloom melon with small, beautifully colored, aromatic fruits that surprise with their distinct sweetness and exceptional ornamental value. Thanks to its compact growth, early ripening, and ease of cultivation, this variety is ideal for both novice gardeners and experienced lovers of unusual melons. A real eye-catcher in any vegetable garden!