Cantaloupes
Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
Learn how to care for cantaloupes along with its history and classification details.
Hardiness Zone: 4-10
Soil Type: Slightly acidic to neutral
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Annual or Perennial: Annual
Type: Fruit
History: Cantaloupe has been growing since ancient times in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. It likely first originated in the Middle East or India, but ancient Egyptians and Romans are known to have grown the melon.
How to Care for Cantaloupes
Common questions and details on how to care for cantaloupes.
How do I plant cantaloupe?
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 18 inches apart, in hills (or hilled rows) about 3 feet apart. If you have limited space, vines can be trained up a support, such as a trellis.
When is the best time to plant?
If you are in a colder region, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date.
If you live in a warmer climate, you may direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil temperature warms to at least 60°F (16°C).
How do I propagate cantaloupe?
Most people starting melon seeds indoors will need a seed starting mat to achieve this temperature. Once the seedlings have germinated, keep the seedlings evenly watered and warm.
Can I grow cantaloupe in a pot?
Yes, you can grow cantaloupe in a pot.
How much should I water cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe prefers to be watered 2 inches per square food per week.
How do I care for cantaloupe with fertilizer?
Cantaloupe prefer to be fertilized frequently.
When do cantaloupe bloom?
Cantaloupe blossoms will start to appear not quite midway through your cantaloupe’s time to maturity, about 30 days for a short-season melon and 40 to 45 for longer-season cultivars. Male blossoms typically appear a few days before the first female blossoms.
How do I know when a cantaloupe is ripe?
The first signal that a cantaloupe (or a muskmelon) is getting ripe is the color under the netting of the fruit changes from green to tan. A ripe cantaloupe also tends to have a pleasant aroma. Finally, check the spot at top of the melon where it attaches to the vine.
When do I harvest cantaloupe?
When to harvest cantaloupe and be a little tricky, the general rule is to harvest cantaloupe 70-100 days after planting.
What is the best way to store cantaloupe?
Let a not-quite-ready cantaloupe ripen at room temperature for up to two days (keeping it in a closed paper bag will speed up the process). Refrigerate a whole ripe melon for up to five days. For cut wedges of cantaloupe, cover the surfaces and refrigerate for up to three days
Is a cantaloupe a fruit or a vegetable?
Cantaloupes are a fruit.
Should I plant any companion plants?
Cantaloupes grow well with marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and lettuce.
What are the health benefits of the cantaloupes?
The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C present in cantaloupe are vital nutrients for your heart health. Potassium can help to lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Fiber helps to decrease levels of “bad cholesterol” in your body. It can also keep your blood pressure in check.
Star Magic healing considers cantaloupe to assist in creativity and removing mental blockages.
Cantaloupe Aqua Fresca
This delicious summer beverage is a simple recipe made with cantaloupe, lime, water, and your sweetener of choice.
When I shop for fruit & melons I like to hold a grape next to a cantaloupe & think of Earth next to Jupiter. Then I eat Earth.
~Neil deGrasse Tyson