Cantaloupe plants grow best in soil that is consistently at least 70 ℉. If you are starting the seeds in their final position, wait until the soil has warmed up. As the plant grows the pot gradually breaks down, allowing the root system to spread. When they are ready, the seedlings can simply be planted in their pots in their final position. I like to sow my seeds in biodegradable pots, such as Wpxmer Seed Starter Peat Pots, because it makes transplanting easier and helps to reduce the risk of shock. Sow the seeds in pots filled with fresh potting soil. Start seeds undercover about 4 weeks before the last predicted frost date. You can start seeds either undercover in pots or sow them directly into their final position. These are young vines ready for transplanting straight into their final position. You can either purchase seed packets or young plants, known as transplants. Take the time to find a variety that appeals to you and is appropriate for your growing situation. It is popular for its sweet, robust fruit, which weigh about 2 pounds. Sugar Cube is another dwarf cantaloupe cultivar that is pleasingly disease resistant. Hardy in zones 3 to 10 it has a spread of just 3 ft meaning that it is ideal for container gardens. These weigh about 3 pound when mature, usually within 65 days of sowing. Minnesota Midget is a reliable dwarf cultivar which produces juicy melons. An heirloom cultivar it matures in 75 to 90 days.
Honey Rock is another reliable cultivar that produces large, 4 pound fruit. Hearts of Gold is also resistant to powdery mildew. The plant has a spread of 72 inches and can reach a height of 18 inches. Within 90 days it produces mature fruit that weighs 2 to 3 pounds. Hearts of Gold is a sweet, medium sized plant that thrives in zones 3 to 10. It produces mature fruit, weighing about 4 pounds, within 80 to 90 days. Top Mark is a hardy, heirloom cultivar that is known for its disease resistance and heat tolerance. Once picked, the fruit tends to keep fresh for a little longer than other varieties. Maturing within 75 days, Athena’s fruit is both aromatic and packed with flavor. A modern cultivar it is resistant to many common cantaloupe diseases such as powdery mildew and fusarium wilt.Īthena Hybrid is another disease resistant cantaloupe cultivar. Once mature each fruit weighs 6 to 8 pounds. Ideal if you only enjoy a short growing season, Aphrodite Hybrid fruit matures within 72 days. While heirloom varieties may have more flavor, modern hybrid cultivars are often more robust and disease resistant.Īphrodite Hybrid is known for its sweet honey-like taste and succulent flesh.
There are a range of different cantaloupe cultivars currently available. European varieties appear more ribbed, with a light green skin.
Cantaloupe seedlings skin#
The skin of North American cantaloupe varieties can look net-like. While the two varieties are largely the same, one of the most obvious differences is in the appearance of the fruit. The name is used to describe both the European ( C. Here is your complete guide to growing cantaloupe.īelonging to the Gourd or Cucurbitacae family, cantaloupe is a cultivar of the muskmelon, C. Ideal in fruit salads, salsas, antipasto or as a fresh snack, the cantaloupe is an ideal addition to the fruit and vegetable garden.
The fruit develops on vines which can be trained to grow up trellising, allowing you to use the soil beneath the vines for other fruit or vegetables.Įasily identified by its net-like rind, in cooler climates this is the perfect summer fruit. Not only is growing cantaloupe a surprisingly straightforward process, it is also a great choice if space is at a premium. A ripe, healthy melon weighs around 3 to 4 pounds. Most varieties produce mature fruit in 65 to 90 days. The distinctive rind of the cantaloupe makes it easy to identify.Īlso known as rockmelon or spanspek this orange fleshed fruit is pleasingly quick to grow. Easy to grow as a summer annual in USDA Zones 4 to 10, in warmer areas you can also grow the plant in the spring and fall. Originating in Persia the cantaloupe is named after a town near Rome, Cantaloupe, where the Pope once had a villa. However if you want a melon that is really filled with sweet, juicy flavor then why not try growing cantaloupe? For many people the watermelon is their go to summer melon.
0 kommentar(er)
