Cantaloupe Growing Guide

Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis

Cantaloupe

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) 

Soil

Rich, moisture-retentive soil with plenty of compost dug in.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

After plants set fruit, feed twice, at two week intervals, with a water soluble plant food.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow in pots in mid spring then plant out once all danger of frosts is past.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Keep moist by watering regularly. Pinch out the growing tip once the plant has made three leaves and do the same to side shoots as they appear.

Harvesting

Harvest fruit as soon as it feels slightly soft when the ends are pressed.

Troubleshooting

Control weeds early and then mulch to avoid trampling the vines after fruits have set.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Cantaloupe

Plant Diseases which Affect Cantaloupe