Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

Cucumis melo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in Australia - tropical 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 20°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
05 May 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you go on the internet and type 25 different melons you will see a website with 25 different melons from around the world. All different kinds and shapes. The melons grown in Australia today are far inferior to melons grown 20-30-40 years ago. Melons today have been breed for size, hardness for transport and shelf live in shops. ALL ABOUT WHAT THE SUPERMARKETS WANT. If you want to grow some try Hales Best. Grow in the spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Mar 20, Kerry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am planting Mango (Candy) Melon and they apear to be similar. What time of year to plant plz? Sub tropics around central Qld.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rock melons are generally grown in the spring - seedlings planted out August. You can grow from mid summer with seedlings. Look up different melons on the internet, a site has 25 different kind.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Feb 20, Vicki (Australia - temperate climate)
I managed to grow two rockmelon vines. The season is now coming to an end. Do you rip the vines out at the end of the season? Or leave them dormant until next year?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Feb 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They are annual plants.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Feb 20, Barbara Mortimer (Australia - temperate climate)
As my rockies are finishing now, what should I plant after them?
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Feb 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can plant whatever you like. Just build your soil back up with some compost/manure/fertiliser before you plant again. Plant things you like to eat and easy to grow. They have a planting guide on this website for each month I think.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 20, John Davis (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best method to test ripeness of a rocky. Cheers
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Feb 20, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Old varieties use to start turning yellow and they came away from the vine easily. The new varieties don't. They will probably turn a bit of a different colour but if you press around the butt end of the melon it will go inwards like a sponge. Release it and it will come back out. Another clue is to keep a record of when you plant and be guided by the time from planting to maturity or about 45 days after the melon has grown to full size.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Feb 20, Frank (Australia - temperate climate)
I've never had them in the garden, I've just chosen some seeds in a few weeks back and I'm now getting melons, probably a bit late but, see what happens When I test them in the shop, I look for one that is an orange to yellow colour and tap it gently if it (sounds hollow it is ripe)
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 217 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rockmelon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.