The shape of this melon is almost round, flattened at both ends, and deeply ribbed, skin green and netted, flesh very thick and of finest flavour.

"[2] A report dated 1909 states that the Montreal melon is difficult to grow and varies greatly in size.

In its prime, from the late 19th century until World War II, it was one of the most popular varieties of melon on the east coast of North America.

American newspaper reports show that the melon was also grown in Vermont in the early 20th century and was found to be "exceedingly profitable" for farmers.

But after about 40 years, it was rediscovered in a seed bank maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Ames, Iowa, in 1996,[6] and has since enjoyed a renaissance among Montreal-area gardeners.