When planting cantaloupe, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed in spring. You can sow seeds directly in the garden or in flats inside, or you can purchase transplants from your local garden centre.
Cantaloupes can be grown in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay loams, but they are best suited to soils with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.0. They can also grow well in sandy soils, although they will need to be fertilised regularly to prevent root rot.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to grow cantaloupe from seed?
Cantaloupes take between 65-90 days from germinating to maturity, so let that be your guide. If you want to sow in seed trays, you need to add a good quality potting mix to each cell and then use your finger to make a hole in the bottom of the pot.
Fill the hole with peat moss and place the tray in a warm, dark place to germinate. Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transplant them to a larger pot and let them grow for a few more weeks before transplanting them back to the original seed tray.
Should I soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?
It’s best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering until the soil is dry and the seeds have sprouted. Use a high quality organic fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro, or a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer. If you are using a soil-based fertilizer, be sure to add a good amount of organic matter to the mix to help prevent root rot and other problems.
Do cantaloupes need full sun?
Cantaloupe seeds are planted in full sun in well drained soil. They will need 85 days to mature, but don’t worry if they take longer than that. When they’re ready to harvest, remove the seeds from the plant and store them in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Cantaloupes in the Ground Plant can be planted directly into the ground, or you can plant them at the end of the growing season.
You’ll want to plant the seedlings at a depth of at least 1/2 inch (6 millimeters) below the soil surface. This will ensure that the plants will have plenty of room to grow and won’t be crushed by heavy rains. If you’re planting them on the side of a house, make sure to place them about 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from windows and doors.
Is cantaloupe easy to grow?
After all the danger of frost, cantaloupes are an easy growing specialty melon that can be sown after 3-4 weeks. cantaloupe plants occupy a fair bit of space, so be sure to leave enough room for the vines to reach the soil surface The best way to start a plant of this variety is to cut off the top of the plant and place it in a pot with a layer of peat moss.
This will help to keep the roots warm and moist, as well as keep them from drying out during the winter months. Once the plants are established, they will need to be watered regularly, but don’t over-water as this can lead to root rot.
Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the size of your plants and the amount of water you are using. If you have a lot of plants, you may want to water them every other day or two.
What can you not plant with cantaloupe?
cantaloupes. Avoid planting cucumbers, watermelons or squash near cantaloupes, as they are susceptible to the disease. Cantaloupe plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. If you choose to grow your own plants, be sure to plant them in a well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, such as peat moss or compost. You can also plant your plants in containers, but be careful not to over-water them.
How deep do you plant cantaloupe seeds?
In the hills, sow the seeds 1 inch deep in rows. Thin to two plants per hill after 2 weeks. If you want to prevent insect problems and encourage early growth, cover the seedlings with rows of tunnels. Plant in well-drained soil, but do not over-water.
Do not water more than once or twice a week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and allow the plants to dry out between waterings. Watering too often can cause root rot, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Can you put seeds straight into soil?
Growing seeds indoors is one way to start your garden. Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Direct sowing is an easy way to sow seeds, and it yields good results. Direct sown seeds are the easiest way to start a garden, but they are also the most labor-intensive.
Direct sowed seeds also take a long time to germinate, so it’s best to plant them in spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and the soil is moist. You can also sow seeds in late summer or fall, after the last frost has passed, to ensure that the seeds will be ready for planting in time for the next growing season.
How many seeds are in a cantaloupe hole?
Large seeds like cantaloupe need to be planted deep in the ground. We like to plant at least 2 seeds per spot. The plants should be kept evenly watered and very warm. The best place for cantaloupe seeds to grow is in a soil temperature of 75F and humidity of 70% or higher.
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray!. Depending on the type of carton you have, you can cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. To keep the cartons from drying out, put them on a tray or shallow pan and poke small holes for drainage.
How often do you water a cantaloupe?
Not enough water is needed to make a soggy garden. Give your crops one to two inches of water per week to keep the leaves from being wet. Dry weather is best for sweeter melons, so reduce your watering once fruit begins to grow. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, mulch your garden to keep it from getting too wet.
