Piel de Sapo Melon (Cucumis melo)

Piel de Sapo Melon (Cucumis melo): a typical Sardinian product, cultivated in the Sinis Peninsula. This extremely sweet fruit has wrinkled skin, spots green with black , similar to the skin of the amphibian. The pulp is white, crunchy and sugary (very sweet), it  weights 2/3 kg  on average.This variety can be cultivated in dry conditions thanks to its much lower water demand compared to other varieties of the species. This is the oldest ecotype, more rustic, it has elongated shape, less round than the commercial varieties that can also be found on supermarket counters. Each plant produces 5-6 fruits that enjoy optimum shelf-life(2-3 months).

1. Very low: no need for irrigation
2. Low, also suitable for hot and arid areas, irrigate only in case of prolonged drought
3. Reduced needs, this variety is amongst the leas demanding of its species, hence it is highly suitable for areas with sporadic rainfall, to be irrigated only in case of prolonged droughts
4. Tolerant to water stress, it needs moderate irrigation, suitable for gardens with low water consumption.

We are currently creating a guide for this kind of cultivation, unfortunately, until the guide is published, this is only an overall indication that we can provide without causing confusion about the process. Dry farming, in fact, requires cultivation techniques suitable for the specific  pedoclimate and substrate. All of the varieties included in this category have been acclimatized in Italy.