I'm no expert on this melon, and I live in a hot-summer climate, which may affect the signs of maturity. My PFBs turned a light orange-buff color and became very fragrant when ripe. Actually, they were fragrant before they were ripe. They slipped from the vine when the stem attachment was pushed. I don't think they are supposed to do this. But climate may have been a factor. They will be slightly flexible on the blossom end, too - but not soft.

Early in the season, I had PFBs pop from the vine before they were ripe - when they were still white, after watering. Be sure to withhold water before harvest. This is a very attractive melon when sliced to feature the scalloped edge. It was not the sweetest melon I grew this year, but not the least-sweet, either. The fragrance is stronger than with most melons, even before cutting.