Growing Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe Needs

Cantaloupe, a member of the melon family (cucumis melo) requires more space in the garden than most crops. Smaller varieties, like Sugarbush and dwarf varieties require less space and can even be grown in containers. Otherwise, anticipate utilizing a lot of space for this plant, as cantaloupe plants spread across the ground. They do not tolerate cold weather and require up to 100 warm days to mature.

Growing Cantaloupe

Find a sunny area with good air circulation. Work the soil at least a foot deep. Cantaloupe plants can create roots that reach up to five feet deep. Add compost to the soil to create a well-drained, fertile bed. Wait at least four weeks after last frost before planting. The soil should be at least 75 degrees to ensure that the seedlings are not chilled. Mature plants will fail to produce fruit if they were chilled as seedlings. Plant seeds indoors in peat pots, two to four weeks before transplant date. Plant two or three seeds in each peat pot and clip off all but the strongest seedling. Harden them off for a week before planting in the ground.

Create hills for transplanting, spacing them 4-6 feet apart. Smaller varieties may require only two feet between hills. Check individual variety for specific spacing recommendations. Hills should be one foot high and 2-3 feet wide. In areas with a longer growing season, seeds can be planted directly into the ground, sowing six seeds per hill and thinning to two or three seedlings. Add a thick layer of mulch to reduce weeds and help keep the melons clean. Water generously when planting and throughout the growing season, especially as fruit develops. Feed with a slow release fertilizer at planting time and repeat monthly. Avoid high nitrogen content fertilizer, which encourages lush leaf growth but does not help with development of fruit.

The first flowers that appear will be male, followed in about a week by many female, fruit-producing flowers. Small melons that shrivel are not a sign of any problem with the vine. This is the plants way of producing three or four large fruits. These small fruits will send nutrients back into the plant. Fertilize with a manure tea when fruiting begins and again in two weeks.

When midsummer arrives, remove any flowers and small fruit. Leave only two or three large fruit to continue developing before frost.

Pests and Diseases

Cucumber beetles are the biggest pest problem for cantaloupe. They spread bacterial wilt and most often attack when plants begin to flower. Floating row covers or cheesecloth tents will deter these pests. Remove these covers as soon as female flowers appear to allow pollination. For severe infestation, pyrethrins can be used. Aphids and borers should be controlled with organic methods.

Aside from bacterial wilt caused by cucumber beetles, mildews are the common disease, but can be avoided by choosing disease-resistant cultivars. If disease attacks, cut off and destroy the affected branches.

Harvesting

When the fruit is ripe, it will almost fall off the stem when picked up. The scent will be apparent on a ripe melon and can attract birds and bugs. Picking at the first sign of these pests or a few days before full maturity may be a better option. However, cantaloupes develop their sugars in the last few days of their growth. It may be worth the effort of dealing with these pests to get that extra flavor. Cantaloupes can be stored for about two weeks once harvested.

Growing cantaloupe may require a little extra effort in planting and maintaining, but your efforts will be rewarded with a generous crop of sweet fruit.

Buy Cantaloupe Seeds

"Cantaloupe, Sweet 'N Early Hybrid 1 Pkt. (30 seeds)"

"Melons do best when grown in clusters (hills). Sow groups of 3 or 4 seeds in groups 2 ft apart when soil is thoroughly warm. One pkt. of seeds will plant 7 groups; one oz. grows 120 groups. Our best tasting early cantaloupe. Ideal for short-season areas. It bears longer than any other melon in our trials. Firm, bright salmon flesh, sweet and juicy. Round to oval, 4?" by 5", slightly ribbed with corky netting. Small seed cavity. Resists powdery mildew. Vigorous, productive plants bear 6-8 melons each."