The Tendral tardivo (late Tendral melon, also known as a winter melon) is a traditional variety characterized by a thick, dark green, slightly wrinkled or grooved rind. Inside, it features firm, whitish-to-yellowish flesh that is juicy and has an excellent shelf life.
🌱 Sowing: from April to May (directly outdoors in warm areas, or started in protected seedbeds earlier in spring).☀️ Exposure: in full Sun ☀️, as it requires high temperatures and plenty of direct light to develop properly.💧 Watering: regular during the growth and fruit-fattening phases, but reduced as the fruit nears maturity to help concentrate sugars. It can tolerate dry cultivation (coltivazione in asciutto) reasonably well, though fruits will stay smaller.🌿 Soil & Care: deep, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Pruning secondary shoots can help manage the plant's energy, and keeping fruits off the damp ground (using straw or wooden boards) prevents rotting.✂️ Harvesting: in Late Summer to Autumn (September–October). Unlike summer melons, maturity is checked by looking at the stem or skin resilience; late varieties are harvested before heavy frosts to be stored indoors.❄️ Storage: Thanks to its thick rind, the harvested whole melon can last for several weeks (or even months) if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place.
