Petit Gris de Rennes is a charentais-type, ever-so-sweet, juicy little melon with bright orange flesh. Its name translates as “little grey” for the dark green appearance of its skin before ripening. Originally cultivated in the garden of the Bishop of Rennes nearly four hundred years ago, it is now included in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste. Its astonishing survival to the present day is unquestionably due to its brown-sugar sweetness and intense flavour, making it la crème de la crème of French melons. This easy-to-grow heirloom variety arrives early, making it a good choice for northern gardens with short seasons. It’s perfect for smaller gardens and containers, with compact vines that grow to only 90 cm and produce good yields.