Cantaloupes (aka rockmelons, sweet melons, and spanspeks) are an easy growing specialty melon that can be direct sown after all danger of frost, or started indoors 3-4 weeks before setting out. Growing cantaloupe plants occupy a fair bit of space, so be sure to leave enough room for the vines to spread out.
How long does it take for cantaloupe to grow?
Cantaloupe plants need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush planting. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50 to 60 degrees F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.
What does cantaloupe need to grow?
Plant cantaloupe in an area with warm soil (70°F+) and plenty of sun. Cantaloupes are sprawlers, so plant them 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Growing cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so it's best to improve your soil by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter.
How do you take care of a cantaloupe plant?
Cantaloupes need plenty of water , but not enough to make a soggy garden. Give your crops one to two inches of water per week, watering the soil directly to avoid wetting the leaves and promoting powdery mildew. Once fruit begins to grow, reduce your watering, as dry weather is best for sweeter melons. Mulch.
Is cantaloupe or watermelon easier to grow?
Watermelons tend to be the easiest melons to grow in organic gardens because of their pest and disease resistance. American cantaloupes, properly called muskmelons because of their fruity fragrance, produce 75 to 85 days after planting. ... Honeydew melons have smooth rinds over white or green flesh.
What month is best to plant cantaloupe?
When planting cantaloupe, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed in spring . You can either sow seeds directly in the garden or in flats inside (do this well before their initial planting outdoors), or you can use transplants purchased from reputable nurseries or garden centers.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Unlike other varieties, the vines only spread up to three feet. Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons .
Should I soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?
Cantaloupe seeds must be mature to germinate, so it's best to only take seed from fully ripened fruit. ... Let the seeds soak at room temperature out of direct light for several days , stirring them occasionally to help dislodge the seeds from the sticky pulp.
What can you not plant with cantaloupe?
Good companion plants for honeydew melons are squash, watermelons, corn, radish, tomatoes, borage, beans, oregano, collard greens, marjoram, petunias, nasturtiums, marigolds, tansy, catnip and mint. You should not plant cantaloupe with cucumbers , cabbage, zucchinis, kale, cauliflowers, sunflowers, beans and broccoli.
What is the sweetest cantaloupe to plant?
| Cantaloupe Variety Brix (sugar %) Days to Maturity | Sugar Cube 11-14% 80 days | Honey Rock 13.1% 80 to 85 days | El Gordo 10-16% 75 to 85 days | Hannah's Choice 12-14% 75 to 85 days |
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Can you grow cantaloupe in a 5 gallon bucket?
Planting Cantaloupe in Pots
Look for a container that holds at least 5 gallons (19 L.) of potting soil . ... You'll also need a location where the cantaloupes are exposed to at least eight hours of bright sunlight per day.
How can you tell when a cantaloupe is ready to eat?
Cantaloupe: Color, Smell and a Slight Tug
The first signal that a cantaloupe (or a muskmelon) is getting ripe is the color under the netting of the fruit changes from green to tan. A ripe cantaloupe also tends to have a pleasant aroma. Finally, check the spot at top of the melon where it attaches to the vine .
Can cantaloupe be planted with watermelon?
Watermelons and cantaloupes can grow and produce well in the same spacious garden bed. ... Encourage a chemical-free garden so honeybees and bumblebees pollinate the melon flowers.
Which melon is easiest to grow?
Casabas, Crenshaws , and honeydews are called winter melons because they come to harvest at the end of summer. Here are flavorful best bet, easy-to-grow melons–both summer and winter melons (added days to maturity)–divided into four categories: orange-fleshed melons; green-fleshed melons; honeydew types; and others.
How close can you plant watermelon and cantaloupe together?
Plant melons at the base of the trellis, spaced 12 inches apart for cantaloupe or honeydew and 24 inches apart for watermelon.
