how long do cantaloupe vines get

Vines will spread up to 72 inches and grow 15-18 inches tall. With just a touch of ribbing and a thin, netted rind, this is a classic cultivar to suit those of us who adore super-sweet melons. Plus, they're resistant to one of cantaloupe's most prolific diseases: powdery mildew.

How long are cantaloupe vines?

Growing cantaloupe plants occupy a fair bit of space, so be sure to leave enough room for the vines to spread out. Cantaloupe plants take around 80 days to mature on average and is the most hardy when grown in zones 4-10 as a summer annual.

How do you know when to pick cantaloupe off the vine?

In fact, most cantaloupes are ready to be picked once they're fully ripened, changing from green to a tan or yellowish-gray color between the netting. A ripe melon will also exhibit a sweet and pleasant aroma. One way to tell if a melon is over ripe is by looking at the rind, which will appear quite yellow and soft.

How many cantaloupes does a plant produce?

If you're interested in growing cantaloupes, you must be prepared and know how many cantaloupes per plant you will get every harvest. One plant can produce up to 8 cantaloupes, but it depends on your area's cantaloupe variety and conditions.

Do cantaloupe vines climb?

Why Melons Need Space

Cantaloupe, like other Cucurbits, grow long vines. These can reach anywhere from four to seven feet, depending on the variety. ... By training the vines to climb a vertical structure, you save space in your garden while still giving the melons plenty of space to stretch.

Can you grow cantaloupe from store bought?

Growing cantaloupe from seeds can be a fun and fruitful experiment, so don't throw out the seeds from the one you just bought from the store! Grow them in your garden this growing season for fresh and free cantaloupes!

Where does cantaloupe grow best?

Other states that produce cantaloupe commercially in limited volume include Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In our opinion, of course, the best place to grow cantaloupe is sunny California.

How do you sweeten a cantaloupe?

Sprinkle sugar or sugar substitute onto the cantaloupe. Toss the cantaloupe gently with the sugar until it has been evenly distributed. Try a piece of cantaloupe. If it still needs to be sweetened, sprinkle more sugar and toss the cantaloupe again.

What does a ripe cantaloupe look like?

How to Tell If a Cantaloupe Is Ripe. Look it over: The overall color of the rind should be beige, sandy gold, or creamy yellow—but not green (green indicates unripe). The webbing should appear as strong, raised ridges. ... The yellowish spot can indicate that the melon is ripe.

How do you pick out good cantaloupe?

The best way to pick a cantaloupe is by smell. The fruit should have a sweet, slightly musky scent. A good cantaloupe feels heavy for its size, has a rind that resembles raised netting, and has a stem end that yields slightly when pressed with your thumb.

How often do you water a cantaloupe plant?

Cantaloupes need plenty of water, but not enough to make a soggy garden. Give your crops one to two inches of water per week, watering the soil directly to avoid wetting the leaves and promoting powdery mildew. Once fruit begins to grow, reduce your watering, as dry weather is best for sweeter melons.

Can cantaloupe grow on a fence?

When trellising melons, tie vines to the trellis daily, using soft plant ties that won't crush stems. A trellis for cantaloupe should be large: up to 8 feet tall and 20 feet wide in warmest climates. Wire fencing works well.

What month do you plant cantaloupe seeds?

Cantaloupe prefers warm weather, so don't plant it before temperatures have warmed in the spring. Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉.

Can you grow cantaloupe in a 5 gallon bucket?

Planting Cantaloupe in Pots

Look for a container that holds at least 5 gallons of potting soil. ... You'll also need a location where the cantaloupes are exposed to at least eight hours of bright sunlight per day.

Can cantaloupe and watermelon grow together?

Watermelons and cantaloupes can grow and produce well in the same spacious garden bed. ... Encourage a chemical-free garden so honeybees and bumblebees pollinate the melon flowers.

Why are my cantaloupe plants not producing fruit?

The most likely cause of such fruit problems on squash, muskmelons (cantaloupe), cucumbers, watermelons and other cucurbit vegetables is a lack of pollination. ... Assuming there are both male and female blooms on the plant, a lack of fruit may be due to a lack of bees working the flowers to transfer pollen.

Should I soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?

Seed Watering Notes: Be careful not to overwater germinating seeds or they may rot. It's best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering again if possible until seedlings emerge.

Can you save cantaloupe seeds?

Storing melon seeds that are not completely dry results in moldy seeds. Once the seeds are very dry, place them in a clean, dry glass jar. Write the seed variety and the date on a label and tape it to the jar. Put the jar in the freezer for two days, and then move to the refrigerator.

Can you grow cantaloupe indoors?

Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow cantaloupe indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot.

Do cantaloupe plants need full sun?

Plant cantaloupes in full sun in well-drained soil. Cantaloupe plants need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush planting. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50 to 60 degrees F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.

Do cantaloupes come back every year?

A: Unfortunately, cantaloupes are an annual and will die off once the vine has finished producing its melons.