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Cantaloupes do best in well-draining soil that’s a mix between loamy and sandy. Plant in a spot that gets full sun. To produce the best melons, the plants need all the light they can get. Plus, afternoon sun will dry off leaves, reducing the risk of fungal and other diseases that come with wet foliage.
What climate do cantaloupes grow in?
Cantaloupe and honeydew melons thrive in warm soil. Don’t plant until the ground temperature is above 70 degrees F, which typically occurs about the time peonies bloom in northern zones.
What are the best growing conditions for cantaloupe?
Plant cantaloupes in full sun in well-drained soil. Cantaloupe plants need about 85 days to mature, but don’t rush planting. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50 to 60 degrees F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.
Can cantaloupes grow in the shade?
An area exposed to full or near-full sunlight soil is ideal. Vine crops such as watermelons, cantaloupes, winter squash and cucumbers require large amounts of space. Putting your GrowBox™ near a fence or trellis may allow for the growing vine.
What month do you plant cantaloupe?
When planting cantaloupe, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed in spring. You can either sow seeds directly in the garden or in flats inside (do this well before their initial planting outdoors), or you can use transplants purchased from reputable nurseries or garden centers.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Unlike other varieties, the vines only spread up to three feet. Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
Are cantaloupes good for you?
It also packs: 100% of the daily value for vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage. All your daily need for vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes, skin, bones, and immune system healthy. About 12% of your recommended daily potassium, important for your heart, muscles, and blood pressure.
Do cantaloupe plants need a trellis?
Space plants 36 to 42 inches apart. Or, to save space, plant melons 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis. When trellising melons, tie vines to the trellis daily, using soft plant ties that won’t crush stems. A trellis for cantaloupe should be large: up to 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide in warmest climates.
How often do you water a cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes need plenty of water, but not enough to make a soggy garden. Give your crops one to two inches of water per week, watering the soil directly to avoid wetting the leaves and promoting powdery mildew. Once fruit begins to grow, reduce your watering, as dry weather is best for sweeter melons.
Does cantaloupe grow on trees?
But not all fruits grow on trees. Some grow on vines on the ground, while others might grow on small plants or bushes. Instead, watermelons grow on vines on the ground. Watermelons aren’t the only fruits that grow on the ground on vines. Fruits that grow in a similar way include cantaloupes and honeydew melons.
How do you keep melons off the ground?
Use a cage, plastic mulch, stakes, straw mulch or other materials to protect the fruit from the ground. You can even use a wooden board for the fruit to rest on as it matures.
Is Epsom salt good for cantaloupe?
Flat, tasteless melons can be due to a lack of magnesium or boron in the soil. It has been found that such fruits can be sweetened by giving them a dose of Epsom salts and borax. For home garden use, use about 6 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons of household borax, all added to five gallons of water.
Why are my cantaloupes so small?
There are three factors that will cause the growth of melons to come slow down (or stop): cool temperatures (below 60ºF), too much water or too little water. When melons don’t get enough water they stop growing.
Are cantaloupes annuals or perennials?
A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.
How do I protect my cantaloupe from bugs?
How to Kill Insects That Kill Cantaloupe Maintain sun-filled areas for cantaloupes; prune back plants that create shady conditions with pruning shears or move structures that block out the sun. Maintain well-drained, sandy soil high in organic content.
How do you grow cantaloupe vertically?
Growing Cantaloupe Vertically Melons naturally produce tendrils that will coil around anything they come in contact with. Help the cantaloupe grow vertically by orienting new vines up onto the trellis and twisting these tendrils around the wire or string or loosely tying the vines to the trellis with a piece of cloth.
Can you plant watermelon and cantaloupe together?
Size. The foremost concern in planting both cantaloupe and watermelons in the same garden bed is space. The vines of both melons spread far and will grow wherever they can to access sunlight. Plants too close together cause unnecessary competition for light, soil moisture and nutrients.
Can you grow cantaloupe in pots?
Can I grow cantaloupes in a container garden? This is a common question, and space-challenged melon lovers are happy to learn that the answer is yes, you can grow cantaloupe in pots — if you can provide the proper growing conditions.
How long does it take for muskmelon to grow?
How long does it take to grow Muskmelon? Muskmelon fruits take 35 to 45 days to ripen after the flower has been pollinated. Higher temperature levels mean a shorter ripening time. Muskmelon vines take 90 days to grow from seed to ripe fruit.
