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
  • Young melons
  • Leaves and flowers

Start in small pots then transplant when no danger of frosts. Plant into a raised mound to provide good drainage and warmth. Provide plenty of water.

Ready to use when the fruit falls from the vine.

In cold climate regions start the seeds in a heated greenhouse with plenty of light in order to have a long enough growing season.

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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
29 May 16, Garvin Johny (USA - Zone 13b climate)
My Rock melon leaves are turning yellow near the edges and the buds at the end of the tendrils are also the same. Some of the young leaves I suspect are being eaten by something. I would love a solution.
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01 Jun 16, elaine (USA - Zone 10a climate)
not sure what is causing the yellowing - could be a number of things - too much water, or not enough nitrogen in the soil. You could try side dressing with composted manure. To stop the bugs spray with neem. 1 teaspoon neem oil in 1 quart of water with a dash of soap (washing up liquid works fine) and spray early evening. Also sprinkle diatomaceous earth over and around the plants. use the neem and DE on alternate days till you notice the leaves are not being eaten. happy harvesting!
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I'm about to try growing some RM in a garden bed. I've noted from a few websites to make sure they're well drained. I'm not too sure how this will go as the soil is quite heavy in clay. I've been preparing the soil for months now with lawn clippings, organic compost and mulch and claybreaker. Currently I have a crop of Jap pumpkin in there from which I've harvested four good sized pumpkins. My biggest problem is when about the size of an apricot, they rot and fall off the vine. I only water when the vine is wilting. If they grow larger I raise them by placing a terracotta saucer underneath them (have found this works well) but I lose so many before they are large enough to raise. Will the same happen with RM? BTW, my pumpkin self seeded and grew out the side of my compost bin. Nothing else has done this. Just pumpkin.

- Kate

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