Melons (Cucumis melo)

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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

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Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook