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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08 Jan 14, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown Rockmelons in Brisbane ,and had about 10 but there are still a few flowers on the vine but no more rockmelons appear to be growing .When do I actually pull up the vines as there appears to be nothing happening except small yellow flowers, do they all come at once or in waves?
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07 Jan 14, reg rouse (Australia - temperate climate)
As I have limited space can I tip prune my rockies, Will this help the remaining fruit grow larger. thank you
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25 Dec 13, Denise Purser (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My dad used to grow a fruit on a vine that we put sugar on to eat. Had a flowery texture and a very thin cream skin and was oval in shape and seeds in middle. We called them cubes (not sure if this is correct spelling). I can't find anything on them anywhere, so any help would be appreciated as it is needed to settle a dispute.
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23 Dec 14, Marilyn Bluhdorn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Denise, I think what you are describing could be Indian Cream Cobra Melon. If so, seeds are available online from Eden Seeds.
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20 Nov 13, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Sue, just starting my rockmelons now. How long did it take to germinate them?
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28 Nov 13, Marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
Between 7 to 12 days dependant of the heat and amount of water they get.
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17 Nov 13, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What are the yellow beetles eating the flowers on my Rockies , I thought they were lady beetles but the are longer and only eat the petals , I hope they are pollinating at the same time.
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12 Jun 13, Alan wu (Australia - tropical climate)
To stop the melon from rotting on the ground, lift the melon place 2 bricks on the ground under the melon , rest a piece of arc mesh on the bricks ( about 12 inch square, place a little dry grass on the arc mesh and lower the melon on to the dry grass. This will allow the air to keep the melon dry.
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12 Jun 13, Alan Wu (Australia - tropical climate)
What type of fertiliser do I need to help the rockmelon plant produce flowers
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23 Aug 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
seasol does well to help produce flowers and healthy roots
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Showing 131 - 140 of 217 comments
See comments for all plants

You could let them grow - thin them out or separate them to 2-3' apart. I did this in Oct - the plants are just setting and growing fruit now. You may have to protect them later when they have fruit on from the sun. Better to plant them late August (away from frosts) or early Sept. The picking season is well under way in SE Qld now - probably finished by Xmas.

- Mike

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