when to plant cantaloupe in zone 8

What is the best month to plant cantaloupe?

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℉.

How long does it take for a cantaloupe to grow?

Cantaloupe matures in about 80 to 90 days. Melons are normally ready to harvest when they start turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.

What zone does cantaloupe grow in?

Grown as a summer annual in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10, the fruit develops on a trailing vine, which can trained up a trellis to save space. Most varieties mature in 65-90 days and produce round fruits that weigh up to 3-4 pounds. Cantaloupe melons are a variety of the muskmelon, C.

What temperature can cantaloupe tolerate?

Cantaloupe, a warm-season annual plant, is sensitive to freezing temperatures at any growth stage. Slow growth occurs below 15.6°C (60°F), and optimal growth occurs from 29.4-35°C (85-95°F), yet cantaloupe can tolerate temperatures greater than 40°C (104°F).

What month do you plant melons?

Sow melon seeds in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. Start melon seeds indoors about 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden.

How often do you water a cantaloupe?

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.

How many cantaloupes do you get from one plant?

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.

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.

Can you plant seeds from a cantaloupe?

Preparing Cantaloupe Seeds

Fresh cantaloupe seeds need to be dried and properly stored for future sowing. Spread the seeds on a sheet of newspaper or paper towels and set them in a warm, airy place to dry. ... Once dry, cantaloupe seeds should be stored in an envelope or jar until you are ready to plant them.

Can you plant watermelon and cantaloupe 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.

What grows well with cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe, also known as muskmelon, thrives in the sunniest garden spot. They grow prolifically in well-enriched, sandy loam soil that is kept moist during the growing season. Companion plants for cantaloupe include corn, pumpkin, squash, collards, borage, oregano, radishes, marigolds, petunias and beans.

How cold is too cold for cantaloupe?

In general, a frost (31-33 degrees F.) will kill beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, peas, pepper, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and watermelon. Colder temperatures (26-31 degrees F.)

How do I know when to pick my cantaloupe?

How and When to Harvest Cantaloupes

When rinds begin to change from green to tan or yellow, the melon is typically ripe enough to pick. ...
Look for a crack in the stem where it attaches to the fruit. ...
Harvest melon when vines are dry, and be careful not to damage them.

How do I know when to harvest my cantaloupe?

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.

What month is the best time to plant watermelon?

Plant watermelon from late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach 70° F or above. Space watermelon 3 to 5 feet apart in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.

How long does it take for a watermelon to grow to full size?

The time it takes for a watermelon to mature can be anywhere from 65 to 90 days after planting. Once the fruit sets to tiny marble-sized melons, it only takes up to 45 days for those tiny melons to develop into watermelons 10 pounds in size or more.

What is the season for melons?

During the months of May to September, melons are in season. While available year-round in a supermarket, melons are much more affordable during the summer season. The three most popular melons in America are cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew.

What can you not plant near cantaloupe?

Avoid planting melons with potatoes. Marigolds – Adding a splash of brilliant color, marigolds are “great neighbors” to most any vegetable crop, especially melons.

Is Epsom salt good for cantaloupe?

The cantaloupes will ripen faster and the fruit is protected from insects and rot. For sweeter watermelons and cantaloupes when the plant starts vining and again when small 1-inch melons appear, spray with 6 1/2 tablespoons Epsom salts and 3 1/2 tablespoons borax in 5 gallons of water.

Why are my cantaloupe splitting?

The fruits known as cantaloupes in the U.S. are actually muskmelons. True cantaloupes have smooth skin, while muskmelons have a tan netted texture over their surface. Both types of melon tend to split before they're ripe because of inconsistent soil water levels or other stressors.