Cantaloupes are a warm-weather crop with a long growing season, thriving best in southern or subtropical climates. Cantaloupes are a variety of muskmelon (Cucumis melo), that have a tan, netted outer skin, and subtle flavor.
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.
What is the best climate to grow cantaloupe?
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. These melons are very tender and should be planted after the last chance of frost.
What temperature is best 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.
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.
Does cantaloupe need full sun to grow?
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. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50°F to 60°F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.
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.
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.
What type of soil is best for growing cantaloupe?
sandy loam soils
Melons 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.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
What state grows the most cantaloupe?
California
In the U.S., California is the largest producer of cantaloupes producing almost three times as much as Arizona, the second largest producing state.
What month do you 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 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.
What’s the best fertilizer for 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 take care of a cantaloupe?
5 Cantaloupe Care Tips
- Water properly. Cantaloupes need plenty of water, but not enough to make a soggy garden.
- Mulch. Using black plastic mulch will not only help inhibit weed growth but keep your soil warm and your fruits clean as they develop.
- Fertilize.
- Check for pests.
- Practice companion planting.
Why are my cantaloupe plants not producing 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. Of course, there’s no substitute for bees when it comes to pollination.
Can you over water cantaloupe?
Your cantaloupe plants will need lots of water up until the time they start to bear fruit. However, if you over-water, the root systems will become waterlogged and the plants will die. Cantaloupe plants do well if they get about an inch of rainfall per week.
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.
Can you grow melons in pots?
For growing watermelon in containers successfully, pot size is key. If you choose a container that’s too small, the roots won’t have enough room to spread. You’ll also be watering constantly. Choose a pot that holds at least 7 to 10 gallons of soil per plant if you’re growing ‘Bush Sugar Baby’ or ‘Sugar Pot’.
What is the easiest melon to grow?
Cantaloupe are the easiest of all the melon varieties to grow. Look after them well and you will enjoy a tasty treat full of summer goodness.
Is it easier to grow cantaloupe or watermelon?
Beginners often do best with cantaloupes, she notes. “They’re easier than watermelons because they tend to be more disease-resistant and mature more quickly. Plus, some varieties grow on a more compact vine.”