Cantaloupe
Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Cantaloupe grows in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water needs: Moderate; maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.
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How to Grow Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate; maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-11 as an annual crop. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Cantaloupe as Typically 5-14 days in warm soil, with planting or establishment depth listed as About 1/2-1 inch depending on seed size. Days to maturity are listed as Typically 70-110 days depending on cultivar.
Plant Overview
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) is listed in the Cucurbitaceae family and categorized as a fruit with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0067
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Plant type
- Fruit
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Warm-season fruiting annual or tender perennial
- Mature height
- Varies by species and training method
- Mature spread
- Varies by species; vining crops may spread several feet
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Cantaloupe is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-11 as an annual crop
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate; maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development
- Plant spacing
- Space according to mature vine or canopy size
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days in warm soil and the seed depth is About 1/2-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 70-110 days depending on cultivar. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- Typically 5-14 days in warm soil
- Germination temperature
- Generally 70-90°F for warm-season seed germination
- Seed depth
- About 1/2-1 inch depending on seed size
- Sowing method
- Direct sow or start indoors and transplant after cold danger passes
- Start indoors
- Often 3-6 weeks before safe outdoor planting
- Transplanting
- Harden off and transplant into warm soil after cold danger passes
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- Typically 70-110 days depending on cultivar
- Harvest
- Harvest when fruit reaches cultivar-specific maturity
- Propagation
- Seed or vegetative propagation depending on crop
- Seed saving
- Allow healthy seed to mature fully before collecting; use species-specific isolation practices where cross-pollination matters.
- Pollination
- Commonly insect-pollinated; requirements vary by species
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Aphids, beetles, mites, caterpillars, and fruit-feeding insects
- Common diseases
- Mildews, wilts, leaf spots, rots, and viruses
- Uses
- Fresh eating, cooking, preserves, desserts, or storage
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.