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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The older varieties use to start turning yellow and they would pull away from the vine easy when ripening. And you could smell the rocky smell. Called slipping. The new varieties in the super markets don't do this so it is a bit of a guessing game. They have green skin and the flesh is tough. I grew some of the newer ones and around ripening time we had 5

- Mike

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