Cucurbitacées • Cucumis melo var. reticulatus

Oka Embroidered Melon - Organic

Born in the Oka region, this melon embodies the patience and warmth of Quebec summers.

$4.49

Number of seeds 25 seeds

The Oka netted melon is a heritage variety deeply rooted in Quebec's agricultural history. In 1893, four Trappist monks settled in the parish of Oka, where they began the patient work of selecting and adapting crops to the local climate. It was from a cross between the famous Montreal netted melon ( Cucumis melo 'Montreal') and the old American cultivar Banana ( Cucumis melo 'Banana') that Trappist Father Athanase obtained the 'Oka' melon.

From this crossbreeding emerged an early-maturing variety, well-suited to relatively short growing seasons, which can be successfully cultivated in most regions of Quebec. The fruits are recognizable by their heavily reticulated, or netted, skin and their thick, beautiful orange flesh. When ripe, the melon releases a characteristic sweet aroma and offers a rich, balanced flavor, highly prized when eaten fresh.

In the garden, the Oka netted melon needs warmth, sun, and rich, well-drained soil. The plants are vigorous and trailing, requiring space to reach their full potential. Its earliness is a significant advantage in northern climates, allowing for a satisfactory harvest even when summers are shorter or unpredictable.

In the local community, this melon is seen as a plant of transmission and patience. It embodies the ingenuity of gardeners and seed producers who have crossbred, observed, and selected varieties capable of sustainably feeding local communities, while offering remarkable taste.

• Sowing: Easy germination

• Cultivation: Easy plant to grow

• Growing season: Warm season

• Growth: Summer growth

Annotation – HarvestHarvesting the Oka netted melon requires careful observation, as ripeness is not always easy to determine. The size of the fruit is a good starting point, but it is not sufficient on its own. An olfactory indicator can also be observed: when ripe, the melon gives off a sweet fragrance noticeable near the fruit, although this can vary depending on the conditions.

A more reliable sign is the condition of the stem. When it begins to crack, dry out, or detach naturally from the fruit, the melon is generally nearing full maturity. Harvesting then takes place in dry weather, by carefully cutting or detaching the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.

The Oka netted melon is mainly eaten fresh, either plain or in fruit salads, where its sweet and fragrant flesh is at its peak. It also pairs very well with savory dishes, especially with fresh herbs or mild cheeses.

An emblematic variety of Quebec's horticultural heritage, it recalls the importance of local crops adapted to the climate and passed down for their taste quality.