Your comments and tips

15 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

My wife had a rock melon 2 weeks ago and I just threw the seeds and core under a small mango tree I'm growing and they germinated straight away. Although rockies are planted early in September here (seedlings) I'm going to give it a go. I might plant some corn near them, to give them some shade.

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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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06 Mar 17, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)

My rockmelon is rotting on the vine. The underside is being attacked by a mould on fungus. I have tried rolling the fruit over to have sunlight on all sides but it does not help. Even fruit hanging off the ground on a trellis is being attacked. Is there a spray or dust I can use to stop this problem?

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08 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Any copper-based spray will work. As long as it is not applied excessively it is a safe spray to use. Rock melons are in the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and cucumbers and are very susceptible to downy mildew and other fungal problems. To reduce the problem grow on trellises in a well ventilated spot. High humidity does not help the problem. Trust this helps.

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09 Mar 17, Colleen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

For a non chemical method, which I've used for many years, make up a solution of powdered milk and water the whole plant with it. For some reason the milk seems to either kill or neutralise the powdery mildew

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27 Feb 17, Anthea (Australia - temperate climate)

Rockmelons are sweet, but the flesh is too hard rather than juicy. Any suggestions as to how I can grow better ones next year?

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28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

I only thing I would suggest is not enough water. As melons are very high in water they need a good constant supply to fill out. Mulching the roots will help conserve water. All the best for next season.

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