Gardeners in cooler areas might have the best luck with honeydews and muskmelons, including the cantaloupe-types. Willamette Valley gardeners that want to try to grow watermelons, casaba or crenshaw melons should really use clear plastic tunnels or other row cover material until melons start to develop female flowers.
Can you grow cantaloupe in Indiana?
The soil, weather, and long growing season here are absolutely perfect for growing melon vines of all kinds, but cantaloupe plants particularly love growing here! The vines are vigorous, the melons are huge, and the flavor of an Indiana cantaloupe is unmatched!
Is cantaloupe hard to grow?
As long as you have the right conditions and enough space, cantaloupe is a breeze to grow. Cantaloupe (like cucumbers and other cucurbits) really love hot weather, and they tend to spread, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough growing space—or you can train them up a fence or trellis to grow them vertically.
How much space do you need to grow cantaloupe?
The spacing within a row depends on how you plan to grow your melons: If you want to grow cantaloupe on trellis poles or wires, space hills in the same row about 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart. Trellising typically only works for smaller melon varieties.
How late can you plant cantaloupe seeds?
To start from seed: If you are in a colder region, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. Cantaloupe vines are very tender and should not be transplanted until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures remain above 60°F (16°C).
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What zone does cantaloupe grow in?
Zones 4-10Grown 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.
How long does it take a cantaloupe plant to bear fruit?
about 80 to 90 daysCantaloupe matures in about 80 to 90 days. Melons are normally ready to harvest when they start turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.
Can I grow watermelon in WA?
Yes, it can be done. Watermelons have survived in Seattle, but the key is picking a variety that will ripen in the shortest possible time. That, and a lot of sunshine.
What month do you 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.
Is cantaloupe easy to grow?
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 to grow cantaloupe from seed?
Cantaloupe plants are long-season crops, meaning they'll need 75-80 days of quality warm weather after germination before you can harvest your melons.
Can you grow cantaloupe in Portland Oregon?
Today there are so many types available, from cantaloupe and watermelon to unique muskmelons. The secret to a good melon crop in Oregon is lots of heat, and planting short season varieties. You can start directly from seed or transplants.
Can I grow melons in Zone 8?
Ideal Temperature Watermelons can grow as annuals in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 11 and need 70 to 90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
What month do you plant watermelon?
Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Do cantaloupe plants come back every year?
A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.
Do cantaloupes need full sun?
Cantaloupe Planting Basics Plant cantaloupe seeds in full sun in well-drained soil. They'll need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush things.
Can you plant watermelon and cantaloupe together?
No, you shouldn't plant watermelon and cantaloupe vines close to one another because of the space requirements and shared pest and disease concerns, but you can plant them in a larger bed in different areas with good cultural practices.
Why is my cantaloupe flowering but no fruit?
Lack of Pollination Cause Cantaloupe Flowers But No Fruit. The most common reason why cantaloupes will flower but not fruit is that they aren't getting pollinated. While perfect flowers don't need external pollination, the other female flowers on the plant do.
How can you tell if a cantaloupe is pollinated?
About Cantaloupe Pollination You can tell the difference between male and female flowers by looking at the base of the blossoms. As Harvest to Table points out, female flowers have a bulge just below the blossom, which is the unfertilized fruit.
Do you need two cantaloupe plants?
You need at least one male and one female flower for hand pollinating melon plants. Both male and female melon flowers are ready for the pollination process when they are open.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female cantaloupe flower?
How to Tell the Difference Between the Sexes of the Flowers. The male flower on the cantaloupe plant has an open stalk in the center of the flower called a stamen. The stamen is where the pollen resides. The female flower on the cantaloupe plant will be on the top of a very small melon.
What kind of soil do cantaloupes like?
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.
What is a cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes are a type of melon with a tan-green rind. Typically, the rind is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, though some varieties may also be striped. Inside, the flesh is bright orange and sweet. Their growing requirements are similar to that of other popular melons, such as watermelons and honeydew melons. Cantaloupes vs. Muskmelons.
How long can you keep cantaloupe uncut?
Melons will soften after harvesting, but will not continue to sweeten off the vine. Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days.
How to tell when cantaloupe is ripe?
Be careful not to pick too early, however. Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. This is a sign of ripeness as well.
Why do my muskmelon vines taste bland?
If your muskmelons taste bland, the trouble could be a lack of magnesium in sandy soil. Sweeten the fruit by spraying the vines with this solution: Dissolve 6 ½ tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 ⅓ tablespoons of borax in 5 gallons of water.
What to do before planting fruit?
Amend soil with aged manure or compost before planting. (Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting .) Mulching the planting site with black plastic will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil ahead of planting, hinder weed growth, and keep developing fruits clean.
How to keep fruit plants moist?
If possible, use drip irrigation to keep plants consistently and evenly watered. Mulching around the plants can help to retain moisture. Reduce watering once fruits are growing.
What fruit trees can I grow in Washington State?
What Fruit Trees Can I grow In Washington? Washington state growers produce over half of the nation's apple, pear, and cherry production. The state's cold winters, wet springs, and arid summers provide the perfect climate to grow and ripen delicious pome and stone fruits. Learn more about what fruit trees you can grow in Washington State.
Do stone fruit trees need water?
A regular watering schedule and feeding during the fruiting season will provide your tree with what it needs to succeed. Stone fruit trees are also incredibly susceptible to fungal and bacterial disease, so growers in the Puget region will need to spray and choose more resilient varieties.
What is the best cantaloupe to trellis?
Sugar Cube —This smaller cantaloupe is a great option if you want to trellis your melons without needing to support the weight of the melons. It has great disease resistance, and is a pretty good keeper! Athena—This variety has a lot of disease resistance, which makes it a great option for beginners.
How to increase pollinator activity in cantaloupe?
For the long-term, we recommend increasing pollinator activity by planting lots of pollinator-friendly plants in your garden. For the short-term, you might need to hand pollinate your cantaloupe vines. To do this: Carefully remove a male flower from the plant.
How to prevent cantaloupe from dying?
Prevent this by making sure to rotate cantaloupe and other cucurbits regularly and by clearing garden debris each year. Make sure to water using a soaker hose, drip irrigation, or near the base if hand watering.
How to keep bugs away from cantaloupe?
Plant cantaloupe next to strong scents. "Smelly" plants like marigolds, onions, garlic, or mint will help repel bugs that like to munch on melon plants. Give them enough water. Growing juicy fruits requires a lot of water—your plants will need about an inch of water per week.
How to tell if cantaloupe is ripe?
A light touch where the stem meets the fruit, and a ripe cantaloupe will slip right off the stem. This is called “full slip.”. Once your cantaloupe has full netting on the rind, check it daily for slip by lightly tugging on the stem—one day it’ll pop right off, and you’ll have a sweet and tasty cantaloupe!
Why are my melon leaves wilting?
Wilted leaves are typically a sign of a thirsty plant! It is not unusual for the leaves of melon plants to wilt slightly in the heat of the afternoon summer sun. Check on them the next morning—if the leaves have perked back up, no need to water. If they are still wilted, give them a good drink.
What is cantaloupe fruit?
Cantaloupe is a delicious, sweet, and juicy fruit that makes a great addition to fresh salads and smoothies. Find out how to grow cantaloupe in your garden. Jump Directly to Growing Tips.
When to transplant melon in Pacific Northwest?
But for risk-taking gardeners, it may prove a worthy challenge. May through early June is the perfect time to transplant melon starts into your garden. Melons are adapted to hot, dry conditions, so ...
What is the best way to grow melon in Oregon?
Drip irrigation is better for melons than overhead sprinkling. Fertilize well for top quality and yield. Local nurseries will have melon varieties that will grow best in most regions of the state except the Oregon coast, which is usually too cool.
How long do melons grow?
In high elevation areas with a short growing season of 90 to 120 days and frost is possible in any month, melons need to be protected with row covers. Gardeners in cooler areas might have the best luck with honeydews and muskmelons, including the cantaloupe-types.
How to warm up a garden in Oregon?
In western Oregon, if you do a few extra things, you can also ensure success, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service: Choose a warm site, warm up the site by using plastic mulches over the soil or row or garden covers; Use drip irrigation, not overhead sprinkling, where the foliage gets wet.
How long does it take for melon seeds to germinate?
Start melon seeds indoors three to four weeks before you intend to put them out in the garden. Melons prefer a light soil or heavy soil amended with organic matter that has warmed up to at least 55 to 60 degrees. Germinate melon seeds in peat pots or buy starts.
How to grow melons in a pot?
First, warm the soil where the melons will be grown by covering it with a black plastic sheet.
How to grow watermelons in the garden?
Work a half-cup of organic vegetable food into the soil around each plant after planting and repeat the process around the Fourth of July. Cover the plants with row-crop cover until daytime temperatures average around 70 degrees . Watermelons need plenty of water.
Do watermelon ripen off the vine?
Finally, hope like mad that we get a hot, sunny summer. If we get a cold, rainy one, your melon will never ripen, and unfortunately there’s no recipe for fried green watermelons!
Can you grow watermelon in Seattle?
This one made it, but it helps if it’s a long, hot, sunny summer. (Mary Flewelling Morris) Yes, it can be done. Watermelons have survived in Seattle, but the key is picking a variety that will ripen in the shortest possible time.