Melons (Cucumis melo)
Sowing:
Seed Depth: Germination Soil Temp: Days to Germinate Date to sow Indoors: Date to sow Outdoors: |
1/2 inch 80 - 90 Degrees 3 - 5 3 weeks before last frost After last frost |
Growing:
pH Range: Growing Temp: Spacing: Watering: Light: Nutrient Req's: Rotation: Seed Longevity: |
6.5 - 7.0 70 - 85 Degrees 16 inches Even and moderate, but low during fruit ripening Full sun Low N, High P and K Avoid summer/winter squash, melon, pumpkin, watermelon 4 years |
Description
Soil Fertilizer Planting Cultivation Care Companions Varieties Harvest Health Benefits |
Melons are warm-season, vining fruits that are members of the cucumber family. Melons include: muskmelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and crenshaws and are closely related to watermelon, cucumber and squash. These plants occupy a lot of space, but can be grown on trellises.
Soil should be well-drained and high in organic matter. Crop rotation should be done every year to avoid soil-borne diseases. Broadcast 6 pounds of 5-10-10 per 100 foot row. Mulch with compost or sidedress with composted manure. Planting dates should be May 1 and July 1. Vine crops should be planted in hills with 5 seeds at a depth of 1 to 3 inches. When plants develop four leaves, thin to one or two plants. Vining melons can be trellised on a 4 foot fence or a cattle grate. Keep the planting bed weed free while plants are growing. Also, keep soil loose and mulch it with compost. Water as necessary, but avoid wetting the foliage. Plants are monecious, meaning male and female flowers are produced on the same plant. Thus, insects must be present for pollination. Poor fruiting formation may be from a lack of pollination. Therefore, avoid spraying insecticides. Sow thistle, summer savory Cantaloupe: Ambrosia, Earlisweet and Honeybush Melons are ready for harvest when the green between the netting turns tan and the fruit smells sweet. Melons are a low calorie fruit that contains potassium and vitamin C > Back to the Vegetable Page |
Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook