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
27 Feb 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The seeds scooped out of a rockmelon be used to grow seedlings. I realise they would have to be dried first, but then its too early here in NSW central plains to plant. Thank you for any assistance.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Unless the variety is an F1 hybrid you most certainly can save the seed and it will produce true to type. The chances of it being an F1 are very slim and it would have said so on the seed packet. F1 seed is still OK but may not produce the same as its parent. Rinse them thoroughly in a sieve and lay them on paper towel or cloth to dry. When they are dry store them in a paper bag or envelope with the name and date written on it. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Mar 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks John for that information. Will give them a go in Spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Feb 17, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Put the seeds in a glass of water. The ones that sink to the bottom are the good seeds...dry them out and store them to plant in Spring. They should be good to keep for 3 to 4 years. You can start them in pots 4-6 weeks before Spring, then plant the seedlings in early Spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Dec 17, teigan (Australia - temperate climate)
Does this just apply to rockmelon/ melon varieties or other seeds?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Mar 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks David, will follow that advice and give them a go in spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Jan 17, Kiara Brown (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I'm growing rockmelon and they are about 8cm big. Something has been eating them do you know what it could be?how do I fix and it is also eating my cucumber?
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I forgot to dd that unfortuately the fruit that has been attacked will probably shrivel and die depending on the extent of the damage. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is a chewing pest (Caterpillar) use Yates Natures Way insecticide. I don't like to recommend brands but this product is organic and is harmless to anything but caterpillars. It is actually a bacteria that stops the caterpillar from eating. The caterpillar can be eaten by a bird with no effect. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 17, Mark Davies (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just had a heap of caterpillars in my cucumbers. I made a mix of garlic, chilli and a teaspoon of detergent. Sprayed for a couple of days. No caterpillars
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 70 of 217 comments
See comments for all plants

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

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.