Planting Cantaloupe

In cooler climate regions, seeds should be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the final frost date for best results in the garden. Cantaloupes require a lot of nutrients, so a week before planting in the garden, work compost or manure into the soil. Plant seeds 1cm (1/2") deep, 45cm (18") apart, with 90cm (36") between rows. Cantaloupes prefer loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and require full sun.

Growing Cantaloupe

As they grow, cantaloupes will vine out and spread. For smaller gardens, training the vines up a fence or trellis will help to save space, which has the added benefit of protecting fruit from damage on the ground. However, additional support will be required as the fruit matures to prevent damage to the plant. Cantaloupes require consistent watering, and will greatly benefit from mulch to discourage evaporation. When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can encourage diseases which would damage the plant.

If you choose to fertilise, use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser early in the plant's life to encourage leaf production, but a low-nitrogen fertiliser once flowering begins to instead encourage flowers and fruit. As fruit develops, gently lift it and place cardboard between it and the soil to prevent rotting.

Harvesting Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe can sometimes separate itself from the vine once fully ripe. If not, there are other ways to assess the ripeness of a cantaloupe. The rind will change colour from green to yellow and feel softer, and the fruit should separate easily from the vine when gently tugged. A crack near where the stem attaches to the fruit is also a sign of a ripe cantaloupe.

Harvest by cutting the stem close to the fruit and store in a cool dry place. Once the fruit has been cut, cantaloupe should be tightly wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator.