Question
My parents have planted the same cantelope every year with great success and flavor. However this year after growing them for several years half their cantelope produce became green in color and the other half was regular orange. The taste was the same and were both ripe. My question is could part of the cantelope cross breed with the cucumbers which they think they planted to close to get this type of cantelope? FYI the green cantelope was in my personal opinion some of the best cantelope ever.

Answer
Martin, even though canteloupe and cucumbers are technically part of the squash family, they cannot cross-breed. The more likely reason the canteloupe stayed green is weather conditions and the positioning of the fruit on the ground. To get even coloring on the rind, it is important to turn the fruit every 7 days. Sunlight affects the coloring, but this has no bearing on taste or growth. Also, if weather conditions were inconsistent; i.e. rain, sunlight, and temperatures, it can affect the coloring, but once again, not the taste.

I wish your theory were true. Breeders pay big money for different combinations of plants that result in favorable growth habits. But the important thing was that whatever occurred, you enjoyed your harvest.

Have a great day.

Regards,

Mike