A long-season cultivar of muskmelon, Cucumis melo, of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. The fruit is 7–10 in. (18–25 cm) in diameter, weighs 6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg), and is round and without sutures; it has dark-green skin and thin, abundant netting. The flesh is deep orange, very thick and firm, and distinctly sweet in flavor. The fruit separates from the stem at full maturity and soon becomes overripe. Plants are large and vigorous with large leaves. The vines usually bear andromonoecious flowers, and pollination is performed by bees. Persian melons require a long frost-free growing season of about 115 days. Average growing temperatures of 70–75°F (21–24°C) are preferred. Fruits are about 90% water and contain 7.5 g of carbohydrate per 100 g of tissue. The flesh is very rich in potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.