Grown as a summer annual in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10 , the fruit develops on a trailing vine, which can trained up a trellis to save space. Most varieties mature in 65-90 days and produce round fruits that weigh up to 3-4 pounds. Cantaloupe melons are a variety of the muskmelon, C.
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.
Can you grow cantaloupe in Kentucky?
This vegetable should be grown in a space that receives full sun . ... If you would like to try another cultivar, the 2009 list for recommended vegetable cultivars for the Kentucky garden is available at www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id133/id133.pdf. Cantaloupes require a lot of room in the garden.
Can you grow cantaloupe year round?
But never fear; fresh, juicy California cantaloupes will be back in season come spring . ... All cantaloupes produced in California are grown in regions where the weather is hot and dry.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe plant to produce fruit?
Cantaloupe plants take around 80 days to mature on average and is the most hardy when grown in zones 4-10 as a summer annual.
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.
How late can you plant cantaloupe?
Plant cantaloupe at the correct time
Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65°F. In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant cantaloupe is from late February through July .
What do you put under cantaloupe?
Mulch . Using black plastic mulch will not only help inhibit weed growth but keep your soil warm and your fruits clean as they develop. Cantaloupes germinate best in a warm soil temperature around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The black plastic absorbs the sun while also helping your garden retain moisture.
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 .
What can be planted with cantaloupe?
Companion plants for cantaloupe include corn, pumpkin, squash, collards, borage, oregano, radishes, marigolds, petunias and beans . Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plants are mutually beneficial when planted in near proximity.
Where does cantaloupe grow best?
Cantaloupes do best in well-draining soil that's a mix between loamy and sandy . Plant in a spot that gets full sun. To produce the best melons, the plants need all the light they can get. Plus, afternoon sun will dry off leaves, reducing the risk of fungal and other diseases that come with wet foliage.
Can you grow cantaloupe from store bought fruit?
Growing cantaloupe from seeds can be a fun and fruitful experiment, so don't throw out the seeds from the one you just bought from the store! Grow them in your garden this growing season for fresh and free cantaloupes!
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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Why are my cantaloupe plants not producing fruit?
The most likely cause of such fruit problems on squash, muskmelons (cantaloupe), cucumbers, watermelons and other cucurbit vegetables is a lack of pollination . ... Assuming there are both male and female blooms on the plant, a lack of fruit may be due to a lack of bees working the flowers to transfer pollen.
What is the best fertilizer for cantaloupe?
Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure make excellent fertilizer for cantaloupes. The elements aren't as concentrated in organic fertilizers so you have to use about 1 pound for every 4 or 5 square feet. Compost and aged manure improve the composition of the soil as well as the fertility.
How long does it take cantaloupe to grow after it flowers?
Typically a cantaloupe will yield mature fruit 35 to 45 days after blossoming, according to the University of Minnesota, so time your planting to provide those 45 days while the weather is still warm.
