I believe you're right on both counts. Sorry no one got back to you sooner. I hadn't checked in for a couple days!

George
Tahlequah, OK

Thanks a lot. I got impatient and picked the melon, I thought it was big enough, and sounded right, but it wasn't ripe, tastes like a cuke...so at least its good on a sandwhich or salad LOL. The squash is supposed to turn a lightish brown? Is that right? One of them is already turning, so just leave it till it turns completely?

I'm not sure about the color of a Black Futsu. It might be very dark green when ripe. However, don't go by color. Leave it on the vine until you can't dent the outer skin with a fingernail. Then it will be ready to pick. For added sweetness leave it another 30 days before opening. Winter squash continue to improve for that long after the fingernail test says "ready."

Cantaloupes will smell ripen when they are ready. Most also change color when they are ready.

George

Not only do they change color ( The Banana gets yellow like a banana), they turn loose of the vine (slip)when ripe.

Thanks! I'll take a pic of the Futsu that's changing colors, they're are pretty neat looking squash. I'll just plan on leaving them on for a while then. I've really only ever done tomatos and plain old yellow squash, this is my first year trying these type squashes and any type of melons. This weekend I had a beautiful huge watermelon! Thumped it, sounded right, bottom had turned yellow...cut it off the vine, stuck it in the fridge, was all set to have me some tastey watermelon while watching the British Open ; -) and I'll be darned if the thing wasn't ripe yet ;-( What a waste! So, guess patience is the key eh? Well luckily I have a bunch more coming on so, good things come to those who wait LOL Oh, here is the unlucky melon that met its early demise ; -( She was a beauty! And my very first LOL