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            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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
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
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
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.
20 Jan 17, Ron Leggett (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am trying manual pollination. Not a lot of success. Do I need to pinch out the leaders to promote more lateral growth and more flowers?
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
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
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.
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
20 Jun 16, jake (USA - Zone 4a climate)
The melon is splitting because its getting to much water
Showing 81 - 90 of 236 comments

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