How to grow Melon

Cucumis melo

Full Sun
High

Cantaloupe is a heat loving tropical plant. Starting seeds indoors and choosing a variety that has a short season can help if you live in a colder climate.³ Water well until fruit is set.³

They may be grown along the ground or up a support. If grown along the ground placing the fruit on a board or pot will help keep insects from damaging it. If grown up a support a sling can be tied around the fruit and attached to the support.

In cooler climates pinch out the growing tip after five leaves, and then each side shoot after five leaves. More flower buds form on side shoots. In cooler climates, restrict the number of maturing fruit so that the plant does not waste energy on fruit that will not ripen before it is too cold

Growing Melon from seed

Maybe started indoors or outdoors in warmer climates.
In a shorter season climate, start the seeds early in good light
Plant one seed in a 7cm pot using ordinary potting compost

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 1.88 feet (58.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Melon about 14 days before your last frost date .

Transplanting Melon

If starting indoors start 2-4 weeks before setting out. Start in a 2" pot and transplant when they have 1-2 true leaves.
In cooler climates melons are best grown under protection of a cold frame, glass house or plastic greenhouse. At least, they should have the protection of a warm wall in the sunniest part of the garden.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 15°C / 59°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Melon is a tender plant.

By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Melon about 14 days after your last frost date.

Harvesting Melon

Unripe, uncut, cantaloupe may be stored on the counter at room temperature. Once it reaches peak ripeness it should be stored in the refrigerator. Cut cantaloupe may be stored in the fridge for 6-9 days.²

How long does Melon take to grow?

These estimates for how long Melon takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Melon to germinate?: 8 days
Average 8 days | Min 1 days | Max 25 days (261)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Melon?: + 24 days
Average 24 days | Min 4 days | Max 79 days (39)
Days to Maturity How long until Melon is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 89 days
Average 89 days | Min 66 days | Max 112 days (21)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Melon?: = 121 days

When should I plant Melon?

Our when to plant Melon estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Melon before or after your last frost date.: 14 days before Last Frost Date
When to plant out The number of days to plant out Melon before or after your last frost date.: 14 days after Last Frost Date

Misspellings: Canteloupe Melon, Rock Melon, Cantelope, cantalope

Footnotes

¹ The genome of melon

² WHFoods: Cantaloupe

³ Guide to Growing Cantaloupe