Minnesota Midget an heirloom variety producing 4-inch melons on 3-4 foot vines. It’s relatively quick growing and matures in 60 to 70 days. Divergent is a favorite of many gardeners. It has a sweet flavor, performs well in short seasons and matures in 75 days.
What is the best cantaloupe to grow?
11 of the Best Cantaloupe Cultivars
- Charentais.
- El Gordo Hybrid.
- Hearts of Gold.
- Olympic Express Hybrid.
- Planters Jumbo.
- Sarah’s Choice Hybrid.
- Top Mark.
- Zena.
What is the fastest growing cantaloupe?
1. Alvaro. This beautiful little melon is one of the first to mature each season. With only 65 days to maturity, this Charentais-type averages just 5 inches in diameter.
What is the name of the sweetest cantaloupe?
From the outside, Ambrosia looks like a typical grocery store cantaloupe, but the fragrant, sweet interior tells another story. Not only does Ambrosia have a small seed cavity, the creamy, peach-colored flesh is extremely sweet right up to the rind.
Are cantaloupe easy to grow?
Cantaloupes (aka rockmelons, sweet melons, and spanspeks) are an easy growing specialty melon that can be direct sown after all danger of frost, or started indoors 3-4 weeks before setting out. Growing cantaloupe plants occupy a fair bit of space, so be sure to leave enough room for the vines to spread out.
What is the easiest melon 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.
Do you need more than one cantaloupe plant?
Cantaloupe Planting Basics
Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50°F to 60°F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart. Once the seedlings emerge, keep only the strongest individual plant in each group, pulling the rest.
What is easier to grow cantaloupe or watermelon?
Vine Control
Beginners often do best with cantaloupes, she notes. “They’re easier than watermelons because they tend to be more disease-resistant and mature more quickly. Plus, some varieties grow on a more compact vine.”
What is the best tasting melon?
Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are the best known melons, but also be adventurous and try casaba, Crenshaw, Persian melons or other varieties. Some are grown in the United States. Others are imported from Central America and New Zealand. Enjoy the taste of summer with melons.
How do you make cantaloupe sweeter when growing?
Sweetness Starts in the Soil
To encourage strong growth, blend 4 to 6 inches of composted manure into your melon beds prior to planting. Then add a balanced organic fertilizer (such as a mixed blood meal/bone meal product) every 3 to 4 weeks.
What is the best fertilizer for cantaloupe?
Compost manure for Cantaloupe. Compost and well rotten manure make the best fertilizer for Cantaloupes. The elements are not so concentrated, so you have to use about 450 grams for every 4 or 5 square feet. Compost and aged manure improve the soil structure as well as fertility.
What is the most expensive cantaloupe?
Yūbari Kings
If you’re a zillionaire lover of fruit, try a wedge of this cantaloupe. In 2018, a pair of Yūbari Kings was auctioned for ¥3.2 million ($29,000) in Sapporo, making it the world’s most expensive melon. The Yūbari King is actually a hybrid of two melon cultivars, called Earl’s Favorite and Burpee’s Spicy Cantaloupe.
How long does it take to grow cantaloupe?
about 80 to 90 days
Cantaloupe matures in about 80 to 90 days. Melons are normally ready to harvest when they start turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.
What month do you plant cantaloupe?
When planting cantaloupe, wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed in spring. You can either sow seeds directly in the garden or in flats inside (do this well before their initial planting outdoors), or you can use transplants purchased from reputable nurseries or garden centers.
How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?
Each plant can produce anywhere from four to eight delicious melons.
What can you not plant with cantaloupe?
Some of the best companion plants for cantaloupes include marigolds, nasturtiums, radishes, and lettuce. Avoid planting cucumbers, watermelons or squash near cantaloupes, as they are susceptible to the same pests!
Can you plant watermelon and cantaloupe together?
No, you shouldn’t plant watermelon and cantaloupe vines close to one another because of the space requirements and shared pest and disease concerns, but you can plant them in a larger bed in different areas with good cultural practices.
How deep should soil be for melons?
½ to one inch deep
Form six to eight inch high raised beds to speed soil warming and have good drainage. Plant the seeds ½ to one inch deep. Sow 2 or 3 seeds in groups 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 5 to 6 feet apart.
Can you grow cantaloupe in containers?
With the right care, cantaloupe can thrive in a container – even a smallish one – which means anyone, anywhere, in whatever size house or garden, can enjoy its sweet deliciousness.
How often do you water cantaloupe?
Cantaloupes need plenty of water, but not enough to make a soggy garden. Give your crops one to two inches of water per week, watering the soil directly to avoid wetting the leaves and promoting powdery mildew. Once fruit begins to grow, reduce your watering, as dry weather is best for sweeter melons.
How deep do you plant cantaloupe plants?
Sow and Plant
Sow seeds 1 inch deep in rows, or in hills spaced 6 feet apart. After 2 weeks, thin to 2 plants per hill. To prevent insect problems and encourage early growth, cover seedlings with row cover (fleece) tunnels until they begin to bloom.
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.