Cantaloupe seeds need soaked clean water (room temperature, 20-26 C) for 12 hours. Then immediately seeded in place of exposed to direct sunlight, next planted and cared for.
How long do you soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?
Overnight is usually good. Many sources recommend 8-12 hours and no more than 24 hours. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose. If you use very hot water, the soaking time will decrease.
How do you germinate a cantaloupe seed?
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.
Which seeds should be soaked before planting?
A short list of seeds that like to soak are peas, beans, pumpkins and other winter squash, chard, beets, sunflower, lupine, fava beans, and cucumbers. Most other medium-to-large vegetable and flower seeds with thick coats benefit from soaking.
Can you start cantaloupe seeds indoors?
Sowing Seed Indoors:
Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow cantaloupe indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot. Sow seeds ½ inches deep in seed-starting formula. Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F.
Is it necessary to soak seeds in water before sowing Why?
Soaking seeds before planting helps you to break down the seed’s natural defenses against what it expects from Mother Nature, which then allows it to germinate faster. Another reason is that while Mother Nature actively assaults seeds, she also gave those seeds an internal gauge to help them know when they should grow.
What month do you plant cantaloupe seeds?
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.
What is the fastest way to germinate melon seeds?
Melons can be started from seed indoors a month before the last frost date. Plant three seeds per cell or per pot in sterile-seed starting mix, a quarter-inch deep, and place the containers over a seedling heat mat set to 85°F. The seeds should germinate in three to four days at that temperature.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe seed to germinate?
Germination usually takes about a week, sometimes longer if soil conditions aren’t quite at 70°F. You can use heat mat to ensure the soil stays at a consistent 70°F – the ideal temperature for germination. Make sure to keep that spray bottle nearby – cantaloupe seedlings need constant moisture in the early days.
How deep do you plant cantaloupe seeds?
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows, or in hills spaced 6 feet apart. After 2 weeks, thin to 2 plants per hill. To prevent insect problems and encourage early growth, cover seedlings with row cover (fleece) tunnels until they begin to bloom.
How many seeds does it take to grow a cantaloupe?
Plant 4-6 cantaloupe seeds directly in the garden when soils are 65°F. Seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep, in mounds 4 feet apart. Thin the mounds after emergence to 2 plants. Transplant cantaloupe 2 feet apart through black plastic for early maturity.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Melons are closely related to cucumbers and require similar growing conditions to thrive. To grow them successfully you need to provide them with warmth, water and food. They can be quite vigorous, so regular pruning is needed to keep them under control. Each plant should produce two to four melons.
What seeds should you not soak?
By soaking the seed, it enables the new growth from the inside to push through the hard shell and grow. The seeds that could benefit from a good soaking include: corn, pumpkin, beans, chard, beets, and peas. The seeds you shouldn’t soak include: carrots, lettuce, radish, celery, turnips, and spinach.
Do melon seeds have to dry before planting?
Fresh cantaloupe seeds need to be dried and properly stored for future sowing. Spread the seeds on a sheet of newspaper or paper towels and set them in a warm, airy place to dry. To prevent mold and mildew growth on the seeds, stir them every day to ensure the whole seed is exposed to circulating air.
Do soaked seeds burst their seed coats?
When soaked in water, the seeds swell up due to imbibition and endosmosis. During these two processes water enters the cell. Due to endosmosis, at some point, the seed coat is unable to bear the turgor pressure and hence, the seed coat bursts.
What can you not plant with 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!
How do you grow a big 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.
When should I fertilize my cantaloupe?
3. Fertilize. When your cantaloupe plants have started to grow (at least four inches), apply a well-balanced fertilizer.
What happens when seeds are soaked in water overnight?
When seeds are soaked in water, they begin to warm up and produce carbon dioxide. Seeds are dormant, or at least close to dormancy. When we provide them with warmth and moisture they start to grow. Was this answer helpful?
Do good seeds float or sink?
One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
How long do you soak seeds in hydrogen peroxide?
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Seed Germination
Soak your seeds in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Rinse the seeds several times with water before planting and plant them as usual. Doing this breaks down the hard outer covering of the seeds and kills any pathogen present on them.