Planting and Growing Guide for Honeydew melon (Cucumis melo)
Description
Honeydew melons, or honeymelons, like Canteloupes, grow best in hot weather, needing a least 2-3 months of consistent warm weather to produce fruit. The fruit is round to slightly oval shape. The flesh is usually pale green in color with a sweet delicate flavor. The vines need plenty of room to spread out when planted into small mounds. Cantaloupes do best in rich sandy and loamy soils that have excellent drainage as they are heavy feeders. Dig a trench or hole in the area you want to plant them, and bury compost and manure about 15 cm (6 inches) below the surface. This boosts the nitrogen level in the soil which is warmed by the composting process. As the plants grow the roots will invade the organic matter in the soil below. They need a soil pH of around 6 or higher, and do poorly in acid soils. Provide good ventilation around the plants to reduce the chance of diseases such a mould and fungus. Place a small piece of cardboard under the small fruits to promote even ripening. It also stops the base being discoloured, rotting or being ruined by pests. Pick the fruit when fragrant and they are about to break off from the vine. Store the honeydew melons for several days at room temperature to increase the flavour before eating. Honeydew melons are best eaten soon after picking, as their flavor declines steadily when kept in the refrigerator.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow in seeds trays, planting seed at a depth of about 10 mm (1/2 inch) beginning about 4 weeks before the last spring frost is expected. Transplant to the garden in the warmer months after the last frosts. Can be directly sown into the garden in warmer months.
Space between plants: 40-50 cm (18 inches). In the garden, sow seeds or transplant seedlings into small mounds about 1 metre (36 apart) allowing lots of room to spread.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12-16 weeks, dependent on the temperature.
Hints:
- Provide a trellis or other support on which the plants can climb
- Does best in rich, moisture-retaining soil lots of compost or manure dug well in
- Frost tender and grows best in warm temperatures in full sun and with adequate ventilation
- Apply fertiliser, compost or manure regularly
- Water regularly especially when the plants are small.
- Watch out for pests and sooty moulds
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!