Sowing Cantaloupe Seed Indoors
Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow cantaloupe indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot.
Sow seeds ½ inches deep in seed-starting formula
Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F
Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days
As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light by growing seedlings 3-4 inches beneath LED plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete organic fertilizer) according to manufacturer’s directions.
Thin to one plant per pot.
Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.
Sowing Cantaloupe Directly in the Garden
Sow in fertile, warm soil after danger of frost has passed.
Sow seeds 3 inches apart in groups of 4-6. Cover with ½ inch of fine soil.
Space groups 4-6 feet apart each way.
Keep evenly moist.
Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days.
Thin to 3 or 4 strongest seedlings in each group when they are 1-2 inches high.
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How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
Cantaloupes have a shallow root system, mulches help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures.
Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2 inches of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
As plants grow mulch to control weeds, keep fruits off the ground and conserve moisture
Do not move the vines, they are easily injured.
Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Harvest and Preserving Tips
Fruits are ripe when they smell aromatic and when stems start to crack and fruit slips off easily with light pressure from the thumb.
For best flavor, eat at room temperature.
Melons may be stored in the refrigerator for a short time. They will lose their flavor and color if stored too long.