(Greenhouse/Garden)

Rated best in taste tests, even beating standard red varieties. Naturally self-pollinating and almost entirely seedless. All its energy is devoted to producing more crisp, yellow, juicy flesh. This early, 4.5kg (10lb) ice-box size melon even tolerates cooler weather.

Start seed directly outdoors after all danger of frost, when the ground has thoroughly warmed. Melons prefer a rich, but free draining soil. Seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks prior to last frost date in peat pots. Sow seed tin deep, either in hills of 2-3 seeds, or 4ft apart in rows. Allow 4ft between rows/hills.

Seeds germinate in about 4-8 days at 20-30C (70-85F) soil temperature. Keep soil adequately moist during the season, but don't overwater at ripening time.

Periodic sidedressing during the growing season with a 5-10-10 fertilizer will benefit the plants. Harvest when ripe - when the vine starts to slip from the fruit.