Cantaloupes and Muskmelons are small melons that have orange or green flesh and are great for smaller spaces. Their scientific name is Cucumis melo and there are many cultivated varieties.
Cantaloupe, Muskmelon, and Honeydews are all Cucumis melo even though we get very particular about which one is which! Cantaloupe usually refers to a specific type of melon with a netted rind and orange, sweet flesh. Muskmelons can have smooth or netted rinds and can come in different colors, such as green, orange, or yellow.
Varieties
Hannah's Choice
I used to grow Sarah’s Choice and then switched to Hannah because it resisted Mosaic Virus and wilt better. Orange flesh, very sweet, ribbed fruits weigh an average of 3–5 lb. 75 Days, Harvest at full slip. F1Hybrid.
D'Artagnan
This French early Charentais type ripens in just 71 days. A smaller melon weighing in at an average of 2 lb.
Honey Orange
Honeydew type, smooth green skin, and light orange flesh. Weighs in at 3 lbs. Tolerant of cool conditions so can plant a bit earlier than other melons. 74 days, F1 Hybrid.
Check out my book on Growing Vegetables in Zone 6
Very comprehensive! Information on preparing your soil and how to on growing 34 vegetables.
Planting
Planting Location and Soil Preparation
When growing cantaloupes, choose a planting location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Cantaloupes are warm-season plants and require a soil temperature of at least 70°F (21°C) for germination.
Plants produce 2 - 3 melons each so plant 3-4 plants per person for fresh use.
Melons are heavy feeders. Before planting, prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter such as compost to improve its fertility and drainage.
They prefer more alkaline soil with a pH between 6.4 and 7.0. Take a soil test and add lime to the spot if necessary.
Direct Sow
Sow them directly into the ground once the soil has warmed to at least 65°F. I typically wait till the second half of May. I will often plant another round in mid to late June for a late summer crop.
Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space them 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) apart in rows that are 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) apart.
start Inside
I start melon seeds indoors in mid to late April in 48 trays or 3-inch pots. Biodegradable pots work well because melon seedlings are tender and need a delicate hand during transplanting.
They like a warm germination temperature of 80-90°F (27-32°C). Use a heat mat (Amazon link) if, like me, you struggle to get your grow room that warm.
Transplanting
Plant them at the same spacing as seeds after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 65°F (19°C).
I often set melons out under row covers to keep them warm and free of insects. Remember to monitor the temperatures under the row cover on sunny days and remove it when the temp exceeds 80.
Pollination
Cantaloupes require pollination to set fruit. Encourage pollinators like bees to visit your garden, or hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers using a small brush.
Watering
Cantaloupes require consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
As melons start to ripen reduce water so that the sugars in the melon concentrate.
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Fertilizing
Fertilize the plants with fish emulsion at transplant and again when the fruit begins to develop.
Mulch
Black landscaping fabric helps warm the soil, cut down on weeds, and conserve water. I like to use it with squash and melons.
A nice blanket of straw works well too.
Another advantage of mulch is to keep your developing melons off the ground. Contact with the ground may expose them to pests and diseases.
Support and Pruning
Melons actually respond very well to trellising. And using that vertical space will save room in your garden.
Cantaloupe vines can spread over a large area, so providing support can help keep the fruit off the ground and make harvesting easier. You can use trellises, cages, or other supports to lift the vines.
Because they are heavy you do need a strong structure and it helps to have them in netted bags for support.
Additionally, prune off any excessive foliage to promote air circulation and sun exposure to the developing fruit.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests that can affect cantaloupes include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation. Put up floating row covers when transplanting. Remove when plants start to flower for pollination.
A number of different wilt diseases affect melons. Leaves wilt on one or more vines. Diseases are caused by different pathogens. Use Neem Oil for prevention(Amazon link).
In terms of diseases, powdery mildew, downy mildew, Mosaic Virus, and fusarium wilt can impact cantaloupe plants. Practice crop rotation, choose disease-resistant varieties, and avoid overhead watering to help prevent these issues.
Powdery mildew can be a problem and it causes the leaves to die. Check out my video on controlling mildew and I also have a free download on the website on controlling it organically.
Harvesting and Storage
Ripeness indicators vary by what variety you plant. Most get harvested at "full slip" or when they easily separate from the vine. Some honeydew and charentais don’t slip and get cut from the vine. Use your nose!
Once harvested, store cantaloupes at room temperature for a few days to ripen further. After ripening, they can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Fresh Fruit Salad:
Combine diced cantaloupe with other favorite fruits for a refreshing salad. Mint leaves and a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavors.
Smoothies:
Blend cantaloupe with yogurt, a splash of orange juice, and a handful of berries for a tasty and nutritious smoothie.
Sorbet or Ice Cream:
Puree cantaloupe and freeze it to make a refreshing sorbet or blend it into homemade ice cream.
Cantaloupe Salsa:
Dice cantaloupe and mix it with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a unique salsa. Great with grilled chicken or fish.
Cantaloupe Gazpacho:
Combine cantaloupe with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions to make a refreshing chilled soup.
Cantaloupe Skewers:
Thread cantaloupe cubes onto skewers with other fruits like strawberries and grapes for a colorful and easy-to-eat treat.
Cantaloupe and Prosciutto Appetizers:
Wrap cantaloupe slices with thin slices of prosciutto for a delightful and elegant appetizer.
Cantaloupe Smoothie Bowls:
Top a cantaloupe smoothie with granola, nuts, and additional fruit for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Cantaloupe Dessert Pizza:
Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on a pizza crust and top it with sliced cantaloupe and other fruits.
Cantaloupe Salad with Feta:
Mix diced cantaloupe with crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a light vinaigrette for a flavorful salad.
Author, Ame Vanorio loves fresh cantaloupe! She is the founder of Fox Run EEC, a master gardener, and an environmental educator. Check out her books on Amazon.
Watermelons are a quintessential summer ritual. Picnics, seed spitting (did you grow up in the south?), and just that sweet juicy flavor.