Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

19 Mar 17 Ron (Australia - temperate climate): Hi i am growing rock melons at work and have not had the experience of knowing when to pick them several friut are changing slightly to a lite shade of beige with slight yellow parts on the top side the stems are still green and no give where the stork joins the melon many thanks for any advice
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15 Oct 17 Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I live near Bundaberg in Qld. They use to grow a lot of rockies here years ago. They would start picking late Oct so probably planted seedlings in August (no frosts here). I worked on a farm during the picking season one year (late 1980's). When to pick the melons - they would start to turn from green to yellow and the melon would come away from the stalk/vine easily. They would fall off with a gentle tug. They seem to pick them a few days too early these days - they are green on the outside color and very firm flesh to eat. A melon ripened properly, will be softish and have a good melon smell.
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21 Mar 17 Joanna (Australia - temperate climate): They are ready to pick when the stem attaching them to the vine starts to die off. They sweeten further if you keep them at room temperature for a few days after pic,inf.
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19 Mar 17 Ken (Australia - temperate climate): When rock melons are ripe you will see a small crack start to appear where the stalk joins the fruit. The stalk will come away easily from the fruit when you gently attempt to pick it.
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