Cantaloupe, a warm-season annual plant, is sensitive to freezing temperatures at any growth stage. Slow growth occurs below 15.6°C (60°F), and optimal growth occurs from 29.4-35°C (85-95°F), yet cantaloupe can tolerate temperatures greater than 40°C (104°F).
What temperature does cantaloupe like?
between 65 and 75 °F.
Cantaloupe and honeydew are warm-season crops that grow best at average air temperatures between 65 and 75 °F. It is best to plant when the soil temperature is at least 60 to 65 °F.
Where does cantaloupe grow best?
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 like heat?
First, consider that cantaloupes need three to four months of steady heat to ripen and sweeten. They require the warmest, sunniest spot in the garden and benefit from a black plastic mulch under them. They also require a light, well-drained soil, so add pumice to clay soil, and amend all soils with compost.
What is the best month to plant cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉. In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant cantaloupe is from February 15 through July.
How cold is too cold for cantaloupe?
Store cantaloupes ideally at 36 to 41 °F with a relative humidity of 95%. Under these conditions, cantaloupes are acceptable for up to 3 weeks. Cantaloupes stored at refrigeration temperatures below 41 °F will have approximate shelf life of up to 5 days.
What temperature is too cold for cantaloupe plants?
In general, a frost (31-33 degrees F.) will kill beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peas, pepper, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and watermelon.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
Are cantaloupes hard 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.
What can you not plant near cantaloupe?
Some of the best companion plants for cantaloupes include marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and lettuce. Avoid planting cucumbers, watermelons or squash near cantaloupes, as they are susceptible to the same pests!
Do cantaloupes need a lot of water?
Water cantaloupe deeply and infrequently, 1-2 inches per week. Use drip irrigation if possible. Mulch around the plants will help conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Irrigate so that moisture goes deeply into the soil.
How do I grow a bigger cantaloupe?
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. Too much water can also dilute the melon’s sugar content.
How deep do cantaloupe roots grow?
The Cantaloupe has an extensive shallow root system. In fact, when the vine is 60 cm long the roots have a spread of 90 cm with a 20 cm taproot. It fully occupies the top 15 -20 cm of soil.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter when growing?
8 Tips for Growing The Sweetest Melons
- Start with the Sweetest Varieties.
- Sow Seeds Early.
- Find Your Warmest Microclimate.
- Accentuate the Sun’s Rays.
- Don’t Crowd Your Melons.
- Sweetness Starts in the Soil.
- Water Heavily – But not During Ripening.
- Pick at the Pinnacle of Ripeness.
Can you grow cantaloupe in containers?
With the right care, cantaloupe can thrive in a container – even a smallish one – which means anyone, anywhere, in whatever size house or garden, can enjoy its sweet deliciousness.
Do cantaloupes need a trellis?
Once you’ve got the how-to’s of growing cantaloupe, the vertical part is easy. The vines can grow several feet, and the fruits can be heavy, so be sure you use a sturdy, tall trellis. A fence can work well, as can an archway.
Can watermelon survive 40 degrees?
Watermelon Storage Temperature
When storing watermelons, keep them in a location with a temperature of 50 to 60 F and a humidity of about 90 percent. Watermelons stored for several days at a temperature below 41 F can suffer chilling injury.
Can watermelon grow in 100 degree weather?
In my experience, watermelons are quite heat tolerant, up there with sweet potatoes, peppers, and okra. They will thrive during heat waves that stress out even some other warm season crops like tomatoes and green beans, as long as they have good soil moisture.
How do you protect cantaloupe from frost?
Old blankets and sheets are a great way to protect plants from frost. The blanket will help insulate tender plants and keep them alive during a frosty night. Use stakes or hoops to hold the material up and away from the foliage and drape the blanket over the plants until it touches the ground.
Do cantaloupes come back every year?
A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.
Should I cover my plants at 30 degrees?
When Should You Cover Plants? Cover your plants at night and remove them during the day when the temperatures rise above 32 degrees F, so that the soil can warm up again. Some outdoor plants won’t survive the harsh conditions of winter, bring them inside and use these tips for caring for them through winter.