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Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

(Cucumis melo)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
								S	S	T	T

(Best months for planting Rockmelon in Australia - temperate regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings.

September: Frost tender

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 40 - 60 cm apart
Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
Compatible with: Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
Avoid growing with: Potatoes

Leaves and flowers
Young melons

Start in small pots then transplant when no danger of frosts. Plant into a raised mound to provide good drainage and warmth. Frost tender, needs protection in cold climates. Provide plenty of water.

Ready to use when the fruit falls from the vine

In the United Kingdom start the seeds in a heated greenhouse with plenty of light.

Rockmelons may need hand pollination with a soft brush.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rockmelon

Cut in half and scoop out and discard the seeds.
Sprinkle with some ground ginger or serve plain.

Your comments and tips

30 Mar 13, Jan (Australia - temperate climate): Hi, Im in Adelaide and I'm just wondering if I can grow rockmelon all year round so I can have a constant supply. Cheers, Jan.
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16 Feb 13, marilyn (Australia - temperate climate): We have an incredible crop of very large rockmelons - organic. Unfortunately, slatters & dung bettles got into 6 ripe ones followed by vinegar flies which rotted them. Because the ones nearby were going to be attacked I picked them. They are not quite ripe. Is there any method of ripening picked rock melon? At last we have 4 days of cooler weather so I can spray with natural oils & pyrethrum. I am reluctant to pick any more until I am sure they will ripen. Thanks
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06 Feb 13, Mary (Australia - temperate climate): Why can't you grow rock melons with potatoes?
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19 Jan 13, Keryn (Australia - temperate climate): I planted rockmelon plants approx 9 weeks ago. They have grown well, and plenty of flowers, but no fruit. Not many bees this year, so what do I do to "pollinate" the flowers?
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02 Jan 13, Reg Offord (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Should i prune the runners on my rockmelons? I have 3 vines, one came up itself, (it is doing best), the other 2 i planted in compost, and because of the heat, i have now mulched with lucurne.
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10 Dec 12, joyngire2MCLEOD HOLDINGS (Australia - sub-tropical climate): how do you tell male to female flowers. is it hard to grow rockmelon in subtropical areas
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20 Dec 12, Bert (Australia - temperate climate): Rock melon as in other such plants like pumpkin can be identified by the swelling at the base. The male will have a (dont want to be rude) pistle I think it is called, protruding in the flower. With the female you can already see the fruit, just needs the male to get going.
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25 Nov 12, Ean Sutton (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I live in Newcastle (Australia) and seem to be having trouble with rockmelon polination. Is there a sure fire way of rectifying this problem and is there an obvious difference between the male and female flowers appearance
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24 Nov 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): High I have grown water mellon on the North West Coast of Tasmania and grew on almost clay and a cup of water each plant per day and I now live on the east Coast of Tasmania and have tried to grow again but I must say the seed was old so have brought fresh water mellon seeds and are trying rock mellon as well would like to know any hints you may have might I also add we have had to make all our own soil with composting anything and everything we live inland and it is quite hot over the summer months for Tassie, up to 30 and very dry
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30 Oct 12, Suzanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I have just planted rockmelon seedlings & would like to know if they prefer cow manure, horse manure or chook manure, as I can get any of the above. Also on the seedlings punnet it says to grow them on a fence or trellis? I had not heard of this before? what benefits are there to this type of growing? Thank You.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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