- Hardiness Zone: 3-11 Annual
Seed Depth: 1/2–1 inch
Seed Spacing: 24–36 inches
Row Spacing: 5–6 feet
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Sprout: 7–14 days
Days to Maturity: 80–90 days
Growth Habit: Sprawling Vine
Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 8-10 hours a day. Cantaloupes thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Cantaloupes are heavy feeders, so nutrient-rich soil is essential for optimal growth.
When to Plant: Cantaloupes are warm-season crops that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors after the soil has warmed.
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1 inch deep in hills spaced 3-4 feet apart. Plant 4-5 seeds per hill, and thin to the 2-3 strongest seedlings once they are a few inches tall.
Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and the soil has warmed.
Succession Planting: Stagger plantings every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cantaloupes need plenty of water during the growing season, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Reduce watering slightly as the fruit begins to ripen to enhance sweetness.
Fertilization: Cantaloupes are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall, and switch to a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer when the plants start to flower.
Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Mulch also helps protect developing melons from soil contact, which can cause rot. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the cantaloupes.
Training and Space Management: Cantaloupes are vining plants that require ample space to spread. If space is limited, consider using trellises to train the vines vertically, but ensure the trellis is sturdy and provide support for the heavy fruits as they develop.
Pest and Disease Management: Cantaloupes can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hand-picking to manage infestations. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
When to Harvest: Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupes are typically ready to harvest 85-90 days after planting. The best indicator of ripeness is when the fruit easily separates from the vine with a gentle tug, and the skin beneath the netting turns from green to a yellowish color. The melon should also emit a sweet, fragrant aroma.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the cantaloupe from the vine, leaving a short stem attached. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising.
Storing Fresh Cantaloupe: Whole cantaloupes can be stored at room temperature for a few days to allow them to fully ripen. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator and consume within a week. Once cut, cover the cantaloupe pieces and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, Sweet Flavor: Aromatic orange flesh with classic melon sweetness.
Drought Tolerant: Thrives in heat and lower humidity with minimal fuss.
Reliable Yields: Vigorous vines produce consistently large fruits throughout summer.
Perfect Picnic Melon: Ideal size for slicing and sharing — a backyard favorite.
Plant Characteristics
Height: Vining, with long, spreading growth
Growth Habit: Trailing vines that benefit from support or room to sprawl
Fruit Type: Oval melons, 3–5 lbs., with heavy netting and firm, orange flesh
Days to Maturity: 80–90 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Intensely sweet, floral, and juicy with smooth texture
Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies, or wrapped with prosciutto for a savory-sweet treat
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Corn, nasturtiums, marigolds, and radishes
Avoid Planting Near: Potatoes or strong-scented herbs like sage
Bonus Benefit: Attracts pollinators, which also benefit surrounding crops
Common Issues and Solutions
Poor Pollination: Hand-pollinate early blooms or attract pollinators with flowers
Powdery Mildew: Water in the morning and avoid wetting leaves
Split Fruit: Avoid inconsistent watering, especially during ripening
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 35 |
3g | Approximately 105 |
Why You’ll Love It
Rich, Sweet Flavor: Aromatic orange flesh with classic melon sweetness.
Drought Tolerant: Thrives in heat and lower humidity with minimal fuss.
Reliable Yields: Vigorous vines produce consistently large fruits throughout summer.
Perfect Picnic Melon: Ideal size for slicing and sharing — a backyard favorite.
Plant Characteristics
Height: Vining, with long, spreading growth
Growth Habit: Trailing vines that benefit from support or room to sprawl
Fruit Type: Oval melons, 3–5 lbs., with heavy netting and firm, orange flesh
Days to Maturity: 80–90 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Intensely sweet, floral, and juicy with smooth texture
Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in fruit salads, smoothies, or wrapped with prosciutto for a savory-sweet treat
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Corn, nasturtiums, marigolds, and radishes
Avoid Planting Near: Potatoes or strong-scented herbs like sage
Bonus Benefit: Attracts pollinators, which also benefit surrounding crops
Common Issues and Solutions
Poor Pollination: Hand-pollinate early blooms or attract pollinators with flowers
Powdery Mildew: Water in the morning and avoid wetting leaves
Split Fruit: Avoid inconsistent watering, especially during ripening
Seeds Per Packet
1g | Approximately 35 |
3g | Approximately 105 |
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