Sharlyn Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo   

Seeds per pack ~25  

Germination: 94% Aug 2024 Packed for 2025

The Sharlyn melon is a distinctive variety of muskmelon, notable for its unique flavor profile and aromatic qualities. Typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds, these oval-shaped melons have a tan to yellow-orange rind adorned with a mosaic-like netting.

Upon slicing open a Sharlyn melon, you'll find pale orange to ivory flesh that is juicy and tender. Unlike the overt sweetness of traditional cantaloupes, Sharlyn melons offer a more subtle sweetness with complex tropical notes, often described as reminiscent of pineapple and coconut.

Originating from crossbreeding efforts, the Sharlyn melon's parent plants were primarily cultivated in Southern France, Northern Italy, and Algeria as early as the late fifteenth century.

This heritage contributes to their preference for hot, dry climates, where they thrive and develop their characteristic flavors. Their pronounced fruity and floral aroma intensifies as they ripen, making them a sensory delight.

In culinary applications, Sharlyn melons are versatile. They can be enjoyed fresh, either on their own or as a sweet addition to fruit salads. For an added flavor dimension, try pairing them with a sprinkle of ginger, salt, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Their unique taste also complements savory dishes, making them a delightful accompaniment to cured meats like prosciutto.

Due to their thin rind and high sugar content, Sharlyn melons have a relatively short shelf life and should be consumed within a week of harvesting when ripe.  To ensure optimal flavor and texture, store them in the refrigerator once fully ripe.

In summary, the Sharlyn melon stands out among melon varieties for its delicate sweetness, tropical aroma, and rich history, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for those seeking something beyond the typical cantaloupe.

This is a great melon for many reasons! If you have a mild climate and/or cool nights especially, this is the melon for you. It’s a short-season variety that does not disappoint. Oblong with white flesh that changes from a pineapple-like flavor when first picked, but matures (over about a week) to bring in a honeydew flavor. This melon is a taste of the tropics for colder areas. 

4-8lbs - oblong - netted - Full sun - put in ground when soil temps reach at least 60 degrees - Short season/early melon, 90 days - good for mild climates - Okay with cool nights - White flesh - Pineapple to honeydew flavor.

Plants to Avoid: Potatoes: Compete for nutrients and can attract similar pests. Squash/Zucchini: They share pests and diseases, which can increase the risk of infestation.