Fundamentals of Cantaloupe Planting – Sow cantaloupe seeds in full sun and well-drained soil. They will require approximately 85 days to mature, so do not hurry. Sow seeds only when temperatures are reliably above 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant two or three seeds in groups two feet apart.
- Once the seedlings emerge, retain only the strongest plant in each group and remove the others.
- Several weeks before your last frost date, you can start the seeds in pots indoors.
- However, melons are particularly sensitive to root disturbance, so the vine growth may be stunted if you are not careful when transplanting them outdoors.
Pull weeds immediately upon spotting them, taking care not to disturb the cantaloupe seedlings or vines. Each week, cantaloupes require 1 to 2 inches of water. If you do not receive this amount of rain per week, you must water deeply and infrequently to achieve this amount.
How long does it take for cantaloupe seedlings to germinate?
How long does it take for cantaloupe seeds to germinate? – Within three to five days, cantaloupe seeds will sprout in warm soil (above 75 degrees Fahrenheit). In cooler soils, it may take a week to ten days for seeds to germinate.
Growing Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons – A Brief Guide Plant cantaloupe in a location with warm soil (70°F or higher) and ample sunlight. Plant cantaloupes with a spacing of 36 to 42 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Growing cantaloupes requires a great deal of nutrients, so you should amend your soil with several inches of compost or other nutrient-dense organic matter.
Keep the soil moist and avoid wetting the leaves; soaker hoses and drip irrigation are ideal for watering cantaloupes. Mulch well and remove weeds early to allow vines to grow freely. Raise young fruits off the ground to protect them. A small flower pot inverted will suffice. Because an abundance of healthy leaves will produce sweeter fruit, avoid pinching out shoots.
For the best flavor, leave the largest fruit on the vine and remove any smaller fruits as they form. Cantaloupes are ready for harvest when their color is optimal and their netting is prominent.
How often should cantaloupe seedlings be watered?
Irrigation – Deeply and infrequently water cantaloupe, 1-2 inches per week. Use drip irrigation if possible. Mulch placed around plants will help retain soil moisture and inhibit weed growth. Irrigate so that water penetrates the soil deeply. As the fruits ripen, reduce watering to enhance flavor.
