Starting 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).
When should I start my cantaloupe seeds 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.
How long does it take a cantaloupe seed to sprout?
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 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.
Should melons start indoors?
Start melon seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden outside. Sow seed indoors at the end of April, about 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. Use peat pots or other biodegradable containers that you can place directly into garden soils. Use larger pots than you would for other vegetables.
Do I need to soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?
Let the seeds soak at room temperature out of direct light for several days, stirring them occasionally to help dislodge the seeds from the sticky pulp. After a few days, the water will develop a layer of floating seeds that should be discarded because they’re not viable.
Do I need to dry cantaloupe seeds before planting?
Melon seed harvesting is a waste of your time unless you learn how to preserve melon seeds until planting time. Drying the seeds thoroughly is the key. After the soaking process, put the good seeds in a strainer and wash them clean. Spread the good seeds out on a paper towel or a screen.
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.
Can I grow cantaloupe indoors?
That’s why containers are the perfect match for cold-zone growers who want garden-fresh melons: grow your cantaloupe indoors, or in a greenhouse for as long as you need to. Or you can set them outside during the day and bring them indoors at night. The same goes for those of you in extra-hot locations.
Do cantaloupe come back every year?
A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.
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.
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.
Which is easier to grow watermelon or cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe are the easiest of all the melon varieties to grow.
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.
What is the best fertilizer for melons?
When fertilizing watermelon plants, use nitrogen based fertilizer at the onset. Once the plant begins flowering, however, switch to feeding the watermelon a phosphorus and potassium based fertilizer. Watermelons require ample potassium and phosphorus for optimal melon production.
How much space do you need between cantaloupe plants?
Grow cantaloupe in rows spaced 3 to 4 feet apart or in “hills” with groups of 2 or 3 plants per “hill”. Cantaloupes can also be trained on a trellis or fence to save space.
How do you germinate cantaloupe seeds in a paper towel?
Place them on a paper towel and place the seeds an inch or more apart from each other. Using a spray bottle, fully dampen the paper towel with the seeds. Fold the paper towel and place it a Ziploc bag, then label with the date and fruit type. Keep the bag in a warm and dry place making sure the seeds are kept wet.
Will cantaloupe climb a trellis?
The good news is that with a pinch of creativity and a dash of careful setup, anyone can train cantaloupe to grow vertically on a trellis of nearly any type. So don’t shy away from growing these delicious melons (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus), which you can learn more about in our growing guide.
Can I plant seeds from a store bought cantaloupe?
In order to grow seeds from a store-bought melon, it’s essential the seeds are harvested, cleaned, and stored properly. In addition, many grocery store melons were picked before they were ripe, which can result in immature seeds that won’t germinate.
Can you grow cantaloupe from the seeds inside the fruit?
Cantaloupe seeds are large seeds that need to go about 1/2″ deep when planted. We like to plant 2-3 seeds per spot to ensure germination of at least one. Keep the seedlings evenly watered and very warm! Cantaloupe seeds germinate best in a soil temperature of 75° to 85°F.