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 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

17 Nov 13, Sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What are the yellow beetles eating the flowers on my Rockies , I thought they were lady beetles but the are longer and only eat the petals , I hope they are pollinating at the same time.
12 Jun 13, Alan wu (Australia - tropical climate)
To stop the melon from rotting on the ground, lift the melon place 2 bricks on the ground under the melon , rest a piece of arc mesh on the bricks ( about 12 inch square, place a little dry grass on the arc mesh and lower the melon on to the dry grass. This will allow the air to keep the melon dry.
12 Jun 13, Alan Wu (Australia - tropical climate)
What type of fertiliser do I need to help the rockmelon plant produce flowers
23 Aug 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
seasol does well to help produce flowers and healthy roots
30 Mar 13, Jan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Im in Adelaide and I'm just wondering if I can grow rockmelon all year round so I can have a constant supply. Cheers, Jan.
15 Nov 13, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jan, I live in Adelaide as well and starting with the rockmelons now. Did you have any success so far?
16 Feb 13, marilyn (Australia - temperate climate)
We have an incredible crop of very large rockmelons - organic. Unfortunately, slatters & dung bettles got into 6 ripe ones followed by vinegar flies which rotted them. Because the ones nearby were going to be attacked I picked them. They are not quite ripe. Is there any method of ripening picked rock melon? At last we have 4 days of cooler weather so I can spray with natural oils & pyrethrum. I am reluctant to pick any more until I am sure they will ripen. Thanks
06 Feb 13, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
Why can't you grow rock melons with potatoes?
22 Jan 13, Johan van Zyl (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When I Was a child during the 1940 you did get a rockmelon much larger and more tasty then these hybrids you get today but ok they were not good for marketing due to there poor shelf life but do you still get it some were in the world today.Would like more information on it and were can you still get seed?
13 Jun 21, Bernadette (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi Johan You could try www.livingseeds.co.za or www.seedsforafrica.co.za
Showing 151 - 160 of 236 comments

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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.
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