Although they do need warm growing conditions, they are fairly easy to grow. Melons are one of those crops most people would love to have a go at growing – even if it’s just to be able to tell everyone else they’ve grown one!
How long do melons take to grow?
Melons plants require 8-10 weeks of good, hot growing weather from the middle of June to the end of August. During that time, a melon vine must grow 5-9 leaves before starting to flower, then set 4 or more male flowers before making its first female flower, and then ripen its fruit before cool, damp weather sets in.
What melon is the easiest to grow?
Cantaloupe are the easiest of all the melon varieties to grow. Look after them well and you will enjoy a tasty treat full of summer goodness.
Is it difficult to grow melons?
Melons are closely related to cucumbers and require similar growing conditions to thrive. To grow them successfully you need to provide them with warmth, water and food. They can be quite vigorous, so regular pruning is needed to keep them under control. Each plant should produce two to four melons.
Do melons need support to grow?
Maturing fruit will hang on the melon vine from stems, but the stems aren’t strong enough to support the weight. You’ll need to provide every melon extra support to prevent them from falling to the ground and rotting.
What month do you plant melons?
spring
Plant melon seeds 1 week to 10 days before the last spring frost date. Watermelon and honeydew are more cold-sensitive than cantaloupe. Melons will not all ripen at the same time, so plan to pick them as they become ready.
Can you grow melons in pots?
While you can grow full-size melons in containers, you’ll get the best results with dwarf cultivars that produce smaller fruits and shorter vines.
How much space does a melon plant need?
Melons need room to roam. Space plants 36 to 42 inches apart. Or, to save space, plant melons 12 inches apart at the base of a trellis. When trellising melons, tie vines to the trellis daily, using soft plant ties that won’t crush stems.
How deep should soil be for melons?
Planting the melons should be done with three to five seeds per hill about 2 inches (5 cm.) apart and 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep. Water the seeds in well after planting melons.
What grows well with melons?
Melons are one of the most compatible plants in the garden and do well when planted with most anything including beans, peas, onions, leeks, chives, and garlic. They also flourish with cabbage, broccoli, carrots, kale, okra, cauliflower, spinach, brussel sprouts, and lettuce.
Do melons climb?
Melons are tender annuals producing climbing or scrambling growth, so they will need a fair amount of space and proper training to produce a worthwhile crop. Melons need plenty of warmth and good sunlight to grow and fruit well.
What do you feed melon plants?
Feeding your plant is easy, liquid tomato fertiliser is ideal and should be used once a week when the fruit has started to appear. Pollination of the melon plant is key, without it the fruit will not grow.
How deep do melon roots grow?
Planting Melons
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| Germination | 75 – 95 F |
| Seed Planting Depth | 1/2″ |
| Root Depth | Shallow in general, some up to 4′ |
| Height | 24″ |
How do you grow melons in a small space?
How to Grow Melons in Small Spaces
- Place a large container, such as a halved whiskey barrel, on a patio, balcony or area of your garden that receives the most sunlight.
- Plant up to five dwarf melon seeds 2 inches apart and 1 inch deep in the center of your container one to two weeks after the average last frost date.
Should you prune melon plants?
Pruning watermelons promotes healthier vines and increases fruit size. Look for irregular or rotting fruit to prune from the plant. Removing the less than perfect melons will enable the plant to focus energy towards growing bigger, healthier, juicier melons.
Do watermelons need a lot of water?
How to Grow Watermelons. Watering is very important—from planting until fruit begins to form. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Is July too late to plant melons?
Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉. In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant cantaloupe is from February 15 through July.
Do watermelons need full sun?
Watermelons require full sunlight in order to thrive. The plants can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in hotter climates, but plenty of sun is necessary to develop the sugars in the melons.
Do melon plants have deep roots?
Most melons have deep roots and require quite of bit of well-drained, loose soil. I have heard some gardeners say that they give each melon plant at least 5 square feet of soil.
How do melons grow successfully?
Don’t even start planting your melons until soil temperatures are above 70 degrees. They also like well-amended and very nutrient-rich soil. Working a generous amount of compost and composted manure into the soil before planting will set your melons up for success.
How deep do cantaloupe roots go?
Soil Depth Requirements for Common Garden Vegetables
| Shallow Rooting 12″ – 18″ | Medium Rooting 18″ – 24″ | Deep Rooting 24″ – 36″+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower | Cantaloupe | Parsnips |
| Celery | Carrots | Pumpkins |
| Chinese cabbage | Chard | Rhubarb |
| Corn | Cucumber | Squash, winter |
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.