Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

Cucumis melo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S                
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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02 Apr 09, Sharon (Australia - temperate climate)
We have a rockmelon plant that has come up through the compost when I mixed it in the vege patch. We have 2 softball size fruit and at least 8 more growing. Wondering how long it takes for them to mature and is it too late in the season for them to be productive? We live on the NSW south coast. Thanks Sharon
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28 Feb 09, Kathleen Gibbin (Australia - tropical climate)
What type of soil is best for rockmelons
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08 Jan 09, Simon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, we purchased a few rockmelon seedlings which were planted into the ground 2 months ago, they have grown wonderfully. The vines that is, there are little yellow flowers, but no fruit has started to show. Are we doing something wrong, do we need to trigger fruit by feeding the plant something special? Thanks, Simon
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26 Dec 08, Fay Walker (Australia - temperate climate)
I have the same issue as Steven re my RM plant gone yellow and would love to hear any comments. I live Sydney, Epping(Northern Sydney). Thanks, Fay
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17 Dec 08, Tina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi,...i have 2 rockmelon vines growing . they are growing fast and i have fruit starting to form on them already, but the fruit looks like it has stopped growing at the moment and the vines continue to grow.... Can i stop the vines growing so that the friut will grow??? thanks
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15 Nov 08, steven (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
g'day , my rockmelon plants older leaves have gone yellow on the outside of the leaves, is this a disease or nutrition problems? somebody help
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Showing 231 - 236 of 236 comments
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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.

- Ken

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