Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

Cucumis melo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S                
        T T            
        P P            

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

22 Nov 09, Betty Menzies (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My rock melons like to attach themselves to a vertical wire-netting fence. Should I encourage them to grow upwards as a vine, then support the fruit somehow, or are they better to remain growing along the ground?
10 Jan 10, Helen O'Toole (Australia - temperate climate)
We planted afew seeds and now we have have about 12 rockmelons that will be ready at the same time is there any way I can preserve them?
21 Jan 10, Helen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have RMs growing both climbing as well as crawling on the ground. They are all growing very well sized. How do I know when to harvest? I dont want to lose any of them. I live in Perth
20 Feb 15, Pam (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown 2 huge rockmelons and one have picked 1 which doesn't have much flavour. I have always dug the vege scraps into the garden fertilised regularly and soil looks good. Anyone got any clue why Pam
11 Jan 16, Loren (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, We're in Perth and have 5 vines. The two oldest vines sprouted together in situ and we already have 5 melons. We're novices so it's quite exciting getting the kids involved. So far no issues but thought I'd share!
26 Jan 10, lesley (Australia - tropical climate)
i have planted tomato seedlings and when i transplanted them, they died a few days later. what did i do wrong? I live in Darwin?
04 Sep 10, Robyn (Australia - tropical climate)
I'm in darwin as well and was told never to plant tomoto plants in the ground. Pots apparently work well.
07 Aug 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you tell a good rock melon seed from the bad ones?
17 Sep 10, Jancis (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can you tell me anything about how long it takes until the leaves sprout from the seed tray? I need to know!!!
19 Sep 10, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
A couple weeks ago (early september) I planted some Rockmelon seeds in a seed tray and most have come up. At how many weeks should I put them in the ground? I have about 10 seedlings going. How many fruite would I be expecting per plant.
Showing 11 - 20 of 236 comments

You can plant whatever you like. Just build your soil back up with some compost/manure/fertiliser before you plant again. Plant things you like to eat and easy to grow. They have a planting guide on this website for each month I think.

- Anon

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