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sevierville, Tn

Is there a way or signs to look for that would help to tell us if our melon is light or heavy to the chart? I know what to look for in pumpkins, but no clue in melons. The weighoffs are a long way away, but if they were tomorrow i'd be out there in the patch fliping coins. (either that or picking em all) I have 4 that measure within 5 lbs of each other. 3 are fat & flat, 1 is long & topedo shape.
How about seed line, any experience with the 255 Mitchell? Light or heavy ?
Thanks

8/17/2009 1:35:20 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

That is a great question, and I really do not have a great answer.

I went over my database of 109 actuals values, and here are my observations.

If the melon is over 160 pounds, it's actual weight will be significantly (>8%) over it's estimated OTT weight.

If the melon is under 160 pounds then the actual will be under it's estimated OTT weight by generally small amounts like 3% to 5%.

My speculation is that Carolina Cross melons do not truly ripen until over 160 pounds, that is they do not maximize their inner ripeness and achieve their least amount of residual pulp.

Here are some generalizations based on my database. These assume a well formed fruit. If you have a pear shape, then all bets are off. Your mileage will vary, and I do have some melons that just didn't follow these observations.

straight length + girth = min weight
85.5 = 160+
88.75 = 180+
92.25 = 200+
96.5 = 220+
106 = World record

So reading this, if your straight length plus your girth exceed 90, then you have a melon around 190 pounds. If it exceeds 110, then I want to drive down and see it in your garden.

8/17/2009 3:52:36 PM

Bowdon, GA

Chris, James's formla sounds pretty accurate. I don't have as many numbers to look at but looking back at some of mine it seems that fat melons tend to go a little heavy and long skinny melons tend to go a little lite. I have a flat melon like you mentioned. I supect that they would be a little light because the circumference is inflated. The melon would probablly have less circumference over the top and under the bottom than around the sides, but this is just speculation.

8/17/2009 6:51:10 PM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Well lets find out tomorrow. My girth is almost 62 and length is 26.5= 88.5 est maybe 178 pounds by that scale. I need something over 184 for state record. Remember I have 2 melons on this plant The longer one never kicked into gear around 115 pounds.

8/17/2009 7:21:58 PM

Bowdon, GA

Good luck Marty maybe you'll get the record. That is one fat melon. Are you taking a canteloupe to? I'm really proud of those canteloupe seeds you gave me. Still growing but even now it would have to go 35% light not to get a BP.

8/17/2009 7:44:02 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

No voids so I'll wager it'll be spot on.

8/17/2009 9:45:05 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Good luck!

8/17/2009 9:45:28 PM

sevierville, Tn

Thanks James for the info. I wish i had girth during the year. I have 1 that i am able to get it from. When i get around that 106 i'll give you a heads up so you can fill the car up ;)

Jake , that makes sense about the circumference on flat melons, explains why mine went a little light last year.

Marty, Good luck, hope you win !!!!!!!!!!!

8/17/2009 9:51:32 PM