Variety characteristics:

• W1451 Hongrou Orange-Flesh Honey Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an early-to-midseason specialty melon selected for its smooth creamy-white rind, attractive orange flesh and exceptional dessert quality. The vigorous vines produce round to oval fruits with a clean, refined exterior that displays beautifully in specialty markets and home-garden harvests.
Fruit shape responds naturally to the selected fruiting position: melons set below approximately the 13th node tend to be rounder, while fruit developed at higher nodes becomes more distinctly oval. Each melon typically weighs approximately 3.3 lb, providing a substantial yet convenient size for fresh serving.
The thick apricot-orange flesh offers a crisp, tender bite, abundant juice and a rich honeyed flavor. Under carefully managed protected-culture conditions, center soluble-solids readings can approach approximately 20° Brix, delivering an exceptionally sweet eating experience.
Fruits reach harvest approximately 33 days after the female flower opens under favorable conditions. Hongrou performs especially well in greenhouse and high-tunnel production using either vertical single-vine training or a two-vine ground-culture system. Precise vine management and a limited fruit load promote uniform size, attractive shape and premium internal quality.