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 state has the best cantaloupe?
California produced the most cantaloupe in the United States in 2021 followed by Arizona and Georgia. California produced 690.3 million pounds of cantaloupe in 2021, accounting for more than 65% of the cantaloupe produced in the United States.
Where is cantaloupe primarily grown?
Most likely they come from Guatemala with a portion coming from Costa Rica, Honduras or Mexico during this time. Here in California, farmers will begin harvesting cantaloupes in the southern desert area as early as April and into July.
Where do the best melons grow?
For best performance, plant melons in hot, sunny locations with fertile, well drained soils. Plant melon seeds 1 week to 10 days before the last spring frost date. Watermelon and honeydew are more cold-sensitive than cantaloupe. Melons will not all ripen at the same time, so plan to pick them as they become ready.
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 many months does it take to grow cantaloupe?
How long does it have to grow? Cantaloupe matures in about 80 to 90 days. Melons are normally ready to harvest when they start turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.
Which cantaloupe is sweetest?
The sweetest cantaloupe varieties are ‘Charentais’ and ‘Sugar Cube’. The scrumptious sweetness and smooth dense texture of these French-style melons will rival any dessert.
What is the best cantaloupe to eat?
To select a ripe cantaloupe, look for tan cantaloupe with light green lines across it, and avoid choosing melons with brown or soft spots. The melon should be firm but not too soft or too hard.
How do you get the sweetest cantaloupe?
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.
What country eats the most cantaloupe?
China
The country with the largest volume of melon consumption was China (17M tonnes), comprising approx. 53% of total volume.
Which is better for you watermelon or cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe has more immune system-boosting vitamin C than watermelon. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help to prevent macular degeneration, in which the retina deteriorates. It is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A — good for eyesight and for the skin.
Who grows the most cantaloupe?
California
Over 80% of the nation’s cantaloupes were grown in California and Arizona.
What is the best melon in the world?
- Cantaloupe. Meloa de Santa Maria Açores. Santa Maria Island.
- Cantaloupe. Melon du Haut-Poitou. Poitou-Charentes.
- Cantaloupe. Melone Mantovano. Province of Mantua.
- Cantaloupe. Yubari King Melon. Yūbari.
- Cantaloupe. Melón de la Mancha. Castilla-La Mancha.
- Watermelon. Anguria Reggiana.
- Melon. Melon de Guadeloupe.
- Cantaloupe. Barattiere.
What is the sweetest melon in the world?
Honey Globe Melon
Many describe this type of melon as one of high quality and extremely sweet. And it’s the delicious taste of the Honey Globe that sets this apart from other melons. The light green flesh is thick and succulent and, because over 15% of its weight is sugar, it’s one of the sweetest melons.
What is the most delicious melon?
33 Delicious Melon Cultivars
- Hale’s Best Jumbo.
- Honey Rock.
- Papaya Dew.
- Piel de Sapo.
- Prescott Fond Blanc.
- Rocky Ford Green Flesh.
- Sakata’s Sweet.
- Sweet Delight.
How many cantaloupes do you get off of one plant?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
Do cantaloupes like Epsom salt?
Does cantaloupe like Epsom salt? 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 kind of fertilizer do you use on cantaloupe?
Use an inorganic fertilizer or organic equivalent to fertilize cantaloupes. Inorganic options include 10-10-10 (at planting) and 21-0-0 (for side dressing after plants set runners; organic options include compost and well-aged manures.
Is cantaloupe 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 cantaloupe come back every year?
A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.