The total land area is 10,503.2 square kilometres (4,055.3 sq mi) and the total population is 19,434. All the islands are currently under Russian jurisdiction, and most are internationally recognized as Russian.
As the summer progresses and the fruits reach full size remove a few leaves to allow the fruit to ripen. Harvest: July to August. 65 to 70 days to maturity. Cantaloupe melons can range in size from 0.5 to 5.0 kg (1.1 to 11 lb). F1 Pepito typically weighs 1.2 to 1.4 kg. When they are ripe the skin will be a dull yellow background with raised netting.
Melons have several yield flushes requiring harvest three to four times a week during peak production, while watermelons tend to ripen evenly and the bulk of the fruit can be harvested in relatively few harvests (Figure 14). Melon and watermelon fruit are ready to harvest 45 to 60 days after flowering.