Sweet, juicy cantaloupe fruit can be yours with the right combination of sun, soil, and—something that's a little hard to control—pollination.
Sweet, juicy cantaloupe fruit can be yours with the right combination of sun, soil, and—something that's a little hard to control—pollination.
This sweet member of the melon family can be grown at home with some tender care and a little luck. These fool-proof techniques will get you started.
This sweet member of the melon family can be grown at home with some tender care and a little luck. These fool-proof techniques will get you started.
Plant cantaloupe seeds in full sun in well-drained soil. They'll need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush things.
Plant cantaloupe seeds in full sun in well-drained soil. They'll need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush things.
Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50°F to 60°F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart. Once the seedlings emerge, keep only the strongest individual plant in each group, pulling the rest.
Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50°F to 60°F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart. Once the seedlings emerge, keep only the strongest individual plant in each group, pulling the rest.
You can start the seeds in pots indoors several weeks before your last frost date, but melons are particularly sensitive to root disturbance, so the vine growth might be stunted if you're not careful when transplanting them outdoors.
You can start the seeds in pots indoors several weeks before your last frost date, but melons are particularly sensitive to root disturbance, so the vine growth might be stunted if you're not careful when transplanting them outdoors.
Pull weeds as soon as you see them, making sure not to dislodge the cantaloupe seedlings or vines.
Pull weeds as soon as you see them, making sure not to dislodge the cantaloupe seedlings or vines.
Is It a Cantaloupe or a Muskmelon?
Is It a Cantaloupe or a Muskmelon?
The word cantaloupe actually refers to two types of muskmelons, including the one most commonly grown in North America and a European cantaloupe that has light green skin. Not all muskmelons are cantaloupes.
The word cantaloupe actually refers to two types of muskmelons, including the one most commonly grown in North America and a European cantaloupe that has light green skin. Not all muskmelons are cantaloupes.