Wait until the fruits are fully ripe and separated from the vine before collecting seeds from melons. In cantaloupe, look for thick netting and a melon smell from the stem end. To save melon seeds, cut the fruit in half and scoop out the seeds in a plastic bag. Store the seeds in a cool, dark place until they germinate.
Table of Contents
Can you grow cantaloupe with cantaloupe seeds?
It’s best to only take seed from fully ripened fruit since cantaloupe seeds must be mature to germinate. The exact time for cantaloupes to reach maturity varies from region to region. The best time to harvest is in the fall, when the fruit is fully ripe and ready to be picked. If you can’t wait until the end of the growing season, harvest in late spring or early summer.
How long does it take cantaloupe to grow from seed?
Cantaloupes take between 65-90 days to reach maturity, so let that be your guide. If you want to sow in seed trays, add a good quality potting mix to each cell and then use your finger to make a small hole in the top of the cell. This will allow the seed to drain out.
Once the seeds have sprouted, they will continue to grow until they reach a height of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) and a width of 1 meter (3 feet). They will then begin to dry out and die back to the ground. If you want to harvest the fruit, you will need to cut off the stem at this point.
You can use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to do this, but be careful not to damage the plant. Once you have harvested the fruits, place them in a clean container and cover them with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out too much. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
How long do melon seeds need to dry before planting?
The heat from the light is enough to dry out the seeds in about 48 hours. The seeds will be harder, brittle and smaller when they are dried enough. You can store the seeds in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a month if you put them inside an envelope.
If you don’t want to wait that long, you can use a dehydrator to dehydrate your seeds for a few hours at a time. This is a great way to use up some of the excess moisture in your seed packets. If you’re not sure how long to let them sit at room temperature, it’s best to leave them for at least 24 hours before using them.
Can you start cantaloupe seeds indoors?
Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow cantaloupe indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors. Each pot should have at least two seeds per pot. In the formula, sow seeds 12 inches deep.
During the growing season, keep the soil moist by keeping it at 70 degrees F. Harvesting: After the first frost, remove the seedlings from the pot and place them in a cool, dark place for at least a week to allow the seeds to germinate.
After germination, the plants should be transplanted into a warm, well-drained container and allowed to grow for a few more weeks.
How long does it take for a cantaloupe to grow?
They’ll need about 85 days to mature. When temperatures stay above 50F to 60F, plant seeds in groups of two or three. Sow the seeds in late spring or early summer. The seeds will germinate in about a month, and the plants will be ready to harvest in two to three weeks.
When should you plant cantaloupe seeds?
Don’t plant cantaloupe before the weather warms up in the spring. When sown directly, cantaloupe does best. When soil temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees F, sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date. Plant in well-drained soil and allow the soil to dry out about a week before transplanting into the garden.
What can I do with cantaloupe seeds?
The size of cantaloupe seeds makes them a better choice for sprinkling on top of soups, salads, dips, desserts and even baking them into your favorite cookies. Adding them to mixed nuts makes them the perfect addition to your diet.
How do you start melon seeds indoors?
Plant three seeds per cell or per pot in sterile-seed starting mix, a quarter-inch deep, and place the containers over a seedling heat mat set to 85f, a month before the last frost date. The seeds should grow in three to four days. Harvest the fruit in late summer or early fall, when the leaves are beginning to turn brown and the fruits begin to ripen. Store in a cool, dry place.
