- 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. ...
- Growing the plants in raised rows—aka “hills”—ensures good drainage.
- 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 grow cantaloupe as big as your head?
Reduce chances for pests and disease
- Rotate where you plant cantaloupe and members of the cucumber family ( Cucurbitaceae ), such as other melons, squash, or pumpkins.
- Once fruits have formed, raise them up off the ground with melon cradles or pots; this increases air circulation and helps with rot and insects.
- Grow cantaloupe vertically; they love to climb. ...
How to raise cantaloupe?
- Bush Star: Ideal for growing cantaloupe in containers or in small spaces. ...
- Ambrosia: One of the sweetest cantaloupe varieties.
- Minnesota Midget: This is the variety I grew, and if it hadn’t been for those pesky squirrels, it would have been well worth the effort. ...
How to grow cantaloupe indoors?
Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Caring For Cantaloupe
- Water the cantaloupe deeply and sparingly. Keep the soil around the young cantaloupe plants moist, but not standing in water.
- Protect the fruits as they begin to grow. Whether you're growing new plants or have transplanted your starts, it's a good idea to cover your rows with floating row ...
- Weed the area thoroughly before the vines start running. ...
How long does cantaloupe take to grow?
When raised in proper lighting, watering and feeding conditions, cantaloupes can mature in as little time as 80 days, or about 12 weeks. Most healthy cantaloupes will mature within 120 days, or around 17 weeks. One type of cantaloupe, the "Earlisweet" variety, matures in 68 days. It grows only to weigh up to 3 lbs. and is very sweet.
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What type of soil is best for growing cantaloupe?
sandy loam soilsMelons grow best on well-drained, sandy loam soils, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Soils with a pH less than 6.0 will produce plants with yellow foliage that set few or no fruit.
What is the best fertilizer for cantaloupes?
Compost manure for Cantaloupe. Compost and well rotten manure make the best fertilizer for Cantaloupes. The elements are not so concentrated, so you have to use about 450 grams for every 4 or 5 square feet. Compost and aged manure improve the soil structure as well as fertility.
Where is the best place to plant a cantaloupe?
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.
Do cantaloupes need a lot of water?
Cantaloupes need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. If you don't receive that much rain weekly, water deeply, but infrequently, to reach that amount. As fruits mature, gradually reduce and stop watering, since too much moisture can cause the rinds to split.
Is Epsom salt good for melons?
Flat, tasteless melons can be due to a lack of magnesium or boron in the soil. It has been found that such fruits can be sweetened by giving them a dose of Epsom salts and borax. For home garden use, use about 6 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons of household borax, all added to five gallons of water.
Should you trim cantaloupe vines?
As mentioned, pruning cantaloupe plants isn't absolutely necessary and, in fact, the more leaves that remain on the vine the sweeter the fruit. That said, cutting back cantaloupe plants results in fewer fruit which enables the plant to put all of its energy into a scant few, resulting in larger melons.
What is the best month to plant cantaloupe?
springCantaloupe prefers warm weather, so don't plant it before temperatures have warmed in the spring. Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉.
When should I fertilize my cantaloupe?
For seeded or transplanted cantaloupes, apply 100 to 150 pounds per acre of a pop-up fertilizer such as 10-34-0 to enhance early growth, especially in cool/cold soils early in the spring. Pop-up fertilizer should be banded 2 to 3 inches to the side of the row and 2 to 3 inches below the seeds or roots.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter when growing?
Sweetness Starts in the Soil To encourage strong growth, blend 4 to 6 inches of composted manure into your melon beds prior to planting. Then add a balanced organic fertilizer (such as a mixed blood meal/bone meal product) every 3 to 4 weeks.
Is Epsom salt good for cantaloupe?
The cantaloupes will ripen faster and the fruit is protected from insects and rot. For sweeter watermelons and cantaloupes when the plant starts vining and again when small 1-inch melons appear, spray with 6 1/2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons borax in 5 gallons of water.
What is the best fertilizer for melons?
For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer.
How deep do cantaloupe roots grow?
Soil Depth Requirements for Common Garden VegetablesShallow Rooting 12" - 18"Medium Rooting 18" - 24"Deep Rooting 24" - 36"+CauliflowerCantaloupeParsnipsCeleryCarrotsPumpkinsChinese cabbageChardRhubarbCornCucumberSquash, winter13 more rows
When should I fertilize cantaloupe plants?
For seeded or transplanted cantaloupes, apply 100 to 150 pounds per acre of a pop-up fertilizer such as 10-34-0 to enhance early growth, especially in cool/cold soils early in the spring. Pop-up fertilizer should be banded 2 to 3 inches to the side of the row and 2 to 3 inches below the seeds or roots.
What's the best fertilizer for watermelons and cantaloupes?
For watermelons, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorous, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet (60 to 90 feet of row). Make a trench on the planting bed 4 to 6 inches deep and 2 inches from the side of the row. Cover the fertilizer and plant so seeds do not touch the fertilizer.
What kind of fertilizer do I use for melons?
Ohio State University recommends a phosphorous- and potassium-heavy fertilizer for melons, with a mixture of 5-10-15 or 10-15-20 to enhance growth, flowering and fruiting All melons should start with a foundation of organic compost and starter fertilizer, then get a side dressing of synthetic or organic fertilizer when ...
How do you speed up cantaloupe growth?
Mulch cantaloupe plants to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, control weeds, and keep fruit clean. Water in the morning and avoid getting water on leaves, which can encourage disease. Fertilize when vines begin growing. Be on the lookout for bees.
What zone do cantaloupes grow in?
Growing Zones. Cantaloupe will grow in zones 4-11, with a bit of extra care and attention required in colder zones, since fruit flavor depends mostly on watering and warm temperatures.
How to attract pollinators to cantaloupe?
When planting cantaloupe, consider putting flowering plants nearby to attract pollinators: cantaloupe plants produce both male and female flowers and insects like bees help to pollinate and increase fruit production.
How to get cantaloupe to turn into fruit?
Water regularly until you start to notice flowers turning into melons. Cantaloupes need plenty of water to set fruit. Once you see actual melons beginning to grow, cut back on watering. Water too much while your melons grow and you’ll likely get bland-tasting fruit.
Why do melon grow in mounds?
Why? This method of planting prevents water from pooling in one location and rotting the roots of the plant. The mounds also help retain heat, which melons love .
Why is my cantaloupe plant getting mildew?
It sounds like your cantaloupe plant has contracted powdery mildew. It’s a common infection caused by a fungus. It’s not the end of the world, though. Avoid watering from above and remove affected foliage.
What is a sugar cube cantaloupe?
It’s an excellent variety for northern climates like mine. Sugar cube: Produces smallish cantaloupes with deep orange flesh and dense netting on the rind. Tasty Bites: An adorable mini cantaloupe variety that produces round or oval fruits weighing at most 2.5 lbs.
How do cutworms gnaw cantaloupe?
Cutworms gnaw through growing cantaloupe plants at the base by the soil. Keep the ground around plants clear, use collars to protect plants, and spread diatomaceous earth around plants.
Is cantaloupe easy 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 do I grow cantaloupe from seeds?
You can start cantaloupe by starting seedlings indoors or by sowing seeds directly in the garden, depending on your climate. Let’s cover both!
How long do cantaloupe seeds take to germinate?
In warm soil (above 75°F), cantaloupe seeds will pop up quickly—within 3-5 days. In cooler soils, it might take as long as a week to 10 days before they germinate.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe plant to grow?
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 I grow cantaloupe vertically?
Sure can! Cantaloupe cultivars with smaller fruits can be grown up a strong trellis or fence without much (if any) fruit support. For full-size cantaloupes, you’ll want to create a hammock for each melon to help support them on the trellis. Pieces of cloth, old pantyhose, or mesh bags are great for making the hammocks.
Can you grow cantaloupe in a raised bed or containers?
Cantaloupe vines are big plants that like to spread out, but you can absolutely grow them in raised beds or containers! Smaller, bushier cultivars (like Minnesota Midget) are a great option for container gardening. For raised bed gardening, you might have your vines overflow the edges of the bed, but just as long as they won’t be trampled by feet, wheelbarrows, or other garden tools—that’s just fine!
What can I plant next to cantaloupe? What can’t I?
One of the biggest troublemakers with cantaloupes are pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, but thankfully, you can greatly reduce your insect issues with some simple (and beautiful) companion plants! Strongly-scented flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and tansy work well to repel squash bugs and cucumber beetles. For veggie integration, you’ll have good luck companion planting cantaloupe with strong-smelling crops like onions, mint (put it in a pot or it’ll take over the bed!), basil, or garlic.
What is the melon called in North America?
The melon people in North America know as the cantaloupe is also often referred to as the muskmelon. More accurately, however, the term muskmelon refers to any Cucumis melo species.
What is a cantaloupe?
There are two Cucumis melo muskmelon varieties referred to as cantaloupes. The North American variety ( Cucumismelo var. reticulatus) and the European variety ( C. melo var. cantalupensis ). The net-like pattern on the rind distinguishes the North American cantaloupe, and it has a subtler flavor than the European type.
What is the fruit of a cantaloupe melon?
This melon comes from the plant Cucumis melo var. reticulatus —a fruiting vine. The cantaloupe is easily recognized by the beige, netted pattern ...
How much humidity does a cantaloupe need?
Cantaloupes prefer higher humidity in their initial growth phase before lowering slightly to around 60 to 70 percent during the flowering and fruit development stages.
How big do cantaloupes get?
Cantaloupes typically grow to be 3 to 4 pounds when ripe, but some cultivars have been known to reach up to 20 pounds!
What happens when fruit production starts?
When fruit production does start, it might sound counterproductive but cut off new blossoms on the end of the vine. This will decrease the yield but increase the size and taste of the fruit already on the vine.
How much water do melons need?
While the plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need two gallons of water per week. Watering in the morning is preferred to allow leaves to dry off in the afternoon to prevent the development of fungus or mildew. As the fruit grows, taper the watering. Hot, dry conditions in the final stages of maturation produce the sweetest melons.
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.
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.
How long can cantaloupe be stored?
Cantaloupe can be stored uncut for 5 or 6 days. If cut, they can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic.
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.
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 family does cantaloupe belong to?
Rotate where you plant cantaloupe and members of the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), such as other melons, squash, or pumpkins.
How long do cantaloupes last?
Once fruit is cut, it will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Uncut cantaloupes stored at 45℉ to 50℉ last up to 2 weeks.
Where is Chimayo Melon from?
Chimayo Melon – Spanish heirloom from northern New Mexico.
Can cantaloupe grow in the desert?
Cantaloupe thrives in warm weather and needs a long growing season; great news for desert dwellers. Learn how to grow cantaloupe, and add this tasty fruit to your garden and table. Once cantaloupe is picked, it continues to ripen but does not get any sweeter.
How to make cantaloupes grow better?
Compost and aged manure improve the composition of the soil as well as the fertility. Cantaloupes also benefit from applications high-nitrogen fish emulsion once the plants flower. Mix 1 tablespoon of fish emulsion in 1 gallon of water and apply it to the soil around the plants once a week after flowering.
How to prepare a garden plot for planting?
If you are going to use organic materials such as compost and manure to prepare your garden plot, begin several weeks before planting to allow time for the materials to incorporate into the soil. Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or a 2-inch layer of rotted manure over the garden bed, and incorporate the materials into the soil using a rototiller or spade.
What is the number of bags of fertilizer?
Bags of inorganic fertilizers (synthetic chemical products) are labeled with a ratio of three numbers, such as 10-10-10. The numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, in that order. The element of most concern when fertilizing cantaloupes is nitrogen, because cantaloupes need a lot of nitrogen, and it is the element most likely to be deficient in the soil.
What element is most important when fertilizing cantaloupes?
The element of most concern when fertilizing cantaloupes is nitrogen, because cantaloupes need a lot of nitrogen, and it is the element most likely to be deficient in the soil. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.
Do cantaloupes need fertilizer?
It's rare to find a soil that contains everything a cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo var. cantalupo ) plant needs to grow and produce fruit. The plants are heavy feeders and fertilizer for melons generally means fertilizing at planting time and adding supplemental fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Can you fertilize cantaloupe?
Ohio State University Extension recommends only fertilizing canta loupe plants at the recommendations of a soil test to determine exact nutrient needs. Otherwise, you'll have to base fertilization decisions on recommendations for average soils.
