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
25 Feb 17, Steve Cambridge (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Mark, Did you just mix up any quantities of each or is there a specific recipe? Cheers, Steve
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24 Jan 17, Michalo (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I've just started a vegepatch and I had a hole due to using the soil for my raised garden beds. I would use this hole as composed scrap pit. I smashed up a rock melon which was starting Rot tree it the hole and covered it up wit horse manure. To my surprise I have vertically every seed as germanated and sprouted. I was wondering as this has happened in summer will this be a problem due to being cluttered together and out of the recommend growing seasonal time frame. Thanks Michalo
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26 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
This type of composting, called 'pit composting' can produce some stunning results. Thin the seedlings out to 2 or 3 and let them go. If you cut the growing shoot off after 2 or 3 rockmelon have formed this will allow all the growwth to go into the melons. You still stand a chance of getting some ripe melons from it.
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30 Dec 16, Anthony Melzer (Australia - temperate climate)
We thought we were planting cucumbers so we helped them climb will the melons be to heavy for this what can we do
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03 Jan 17, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
Melons will certainly grow on a trellis. Make a 'hammock' out of a citrus bag or stocking and tie it to your frame as they get a bit bigger so the stems don't break. Also reduces rotting which could happen on the ground. All the best
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05 Sep 16, Domenic Agostino (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Could you please tell me the name of the variety of rockmelons currently available in Australia. Eg: hard rocks/ stripped Thanks.
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31 Aug 16, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
how do I maintain snow peas against the frost i have no were else to plant them but in the paddock HELP
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20 Jun 16, jake (USA - Zone 4a climate)
The melon is splitting because its getting to much water
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05 Apr 16, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
when they stop growing in size and the leaves start to wilt
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03 Apr 16, Alice (Australia - temperate climate)
When do you harvest the melon from the vine. i have 3, 1 i am sure is ready.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 217 comments
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When the plant first starts sending out runners there is mainly male flowers. Then there will be female flowers, It takes a lot of visits from bees to pollinate and set the fruit. I hand pollinated pumpkin the other week and one female flower set fruit and the other didn't. The answer I have no idea. Pumpkins, cues melons are all in the same family. The pumpkin female flower only opens for about 6-9 hrs for one day. Probably melons cues zucchinis are the same. If you are in the sub-tropics you probably should have planted these 2 mths earlier. My rockies (I should have planted a month earlier) are about 5-10 days from start picking and some grubs are just destroying the leaves.

- Mike

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