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 T
                  P P  

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: Frost tender

  • 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
16 Jan 15, JAn Vedova (Australia - temperate climate)
When do you know your rockmelons are ready to be picked
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18 Jan 15, Ferran (Australia - temperate climate)
You can tell when to harvest rockmelons by either tugging slightly on the stem directly attached to the fruit, if it comes of the stem it is ready, some varieties this doesn’t work for. Alternately smell the fruit you should be able to smell a sweet aroma if the rock melon is ready. If you still can't decide look at the skin in most varieties if differs slightly from the unripened ones also check the seed packets for a rough guide as to how many weeks from harvest you will be able to start harvesting. Good luck, enjoy your rock melons.
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11 Jan 15, Jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Six months ago I created a No Dig garden and I haven't looked back Two months ago I planted Rockies and I am happy to report that I have fruit. Try the No Dig Garden method and I think you will be very pleased, with all your vegies. Organic and wonderful for you and the earth.
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02 Jan 15, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How disappointing to have lost the fruit and flowers! Could it be they're getting too much sun? Maybe give them some shade using a few pruned branches from a handy bush. Maybe try a higher dose of potassium to encourage flowering, such as a compost tea with banana skins. I hand pollinate my rockmelon flowers to ensure the little female flowers set fruit. Hope it recovers so you get some lovely rockmelon!
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11 Jan 15, Dent. (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Im kinda new to gardening. I have done it on and off but always on learning curve. I will try what you sugested and see how it goes. I appreciate you replying.
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01 Jan 15, Dent (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My vines came from seedlings that were planted around 7-8 weeks ago. I had some small (small gape size) fruits just starting, now they are gone. I live in Brisbane, plants get watered and fed regularly. Do they need to be covered or anything? There are no flowers left now, am I going to get fruit or should I pull them and start over? Thanks guys.
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21 Dec 14, Goanna (Australia - temperate climate)
Rockmelons do not ripen after being picked. They just go soft. Do not pick until they go orange and smell sweet.
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28 Oct 14, Monica (Australia - tropical climate)
I still dont know which variety to plant in a country like Fiji. And i dont know why people over here are onlyconcentrating on sugarcane and stuff. Hardly anyone is concerned about these fruits
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23 Apr 14, Barry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It seems a waste of vine to not be able to cook n eat it for rockies or watermelon. Any one know how to cook the vines and eat? Are they safe to eat?
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11 Apr 14, Francois (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I do also put all my scraps from my vegy/ fruits juices directly into the soil. That's back in Feb and now I have rock melon flowers starting everywhere and 2 weeks ago I have my first 5 fruits growing so fast. Its very easy but need a lot of water morning and evening. I'm close to Brisbane.
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Showing 111 - 120 of 217 comments
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Liv, yes rockmelons are from the curcurbit family, and need to be pollinated like a pumpkin of zucchini. They have male and female flowers, and I find it easier to pollinate by hand. The females have a small ball thingy on the base of the flower,(obviously, this is a small rockie, waiting to happen), and i take a male flower and press it into the flower of the female. The pollen is more potent when damp, so the early morning is a good time to do this. Often rockies have a small flower hidden under something, and I hand pollinate to make sure I get some rockies, otherwise, it's hit and miss. I'm in Armidale in NSW, and often the weather just isn't warm enough to ripen rockies and watermelon, but with a shadehouse or hothouse, I should get some this year. Good Luck.

- adam synnott

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