Growing melons

Types

Clemson HGIC 1304 (South Carolina): cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) is commonly called muskmelon. In America “cantaloupe” has become the generic name of all netted, musk-scented melons. Honeydew is another group; honeydew melons usually have green or white flesh, although some newer varieties may have orange or pink flesh. Type notes on their sheet — not a cultivar mill.

Timing

Clemson HGIC 1304 (South Carolina): cantaloupe and honeydew are warm-season crops. Average air temperatures between 65 and 75 °F. Clemson lists soil at least 60–65 °F and after-last-frost timing. These melons are very tender. Timing on their sheet — not a national plant date.

Spacing

Clemson HGIC 1304 (South Carolina): plant the melons in rows 6 to 8 feet apart. Transplants or seed should be planted in the rows 18 to 24 inches apart. If starting from seed, plant the seed about ½ to ¾ inch deep. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

South Carolina HGIC 1304. Cantaloupe and honeydew stay on this sheet. Not watermelon and not fertilizer.

Types

Maryland Extension (Maryland): very tender warm-season annual. Frost will injure top growth; needs warm weather to grow. Melons grown in Maryland, except watermelon, are in the species Cucumis melo. Most of the “cantaloupes” grown in Maryland are actually muskmelons—C. melo (Reticulatus Group). These melons are netted and usually slip from their stems when ripe. Type notes on their sheet — not a cultivar mill. Maryland’s attributed hardiness wording — not a planting-safety promise.

Timing

Maryland Extension (Maryland): direct sow when all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm. Start seeds indoors 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Days to maturity 80 to 100 from transplanting. Maryland timing — not a national plant date.

Spacing

Maryland Extension (Maryland): muskmelon (cantaloupe) 24 inches in-row by 60 to 72 inches between rows. Or plant 2 to 3 plants in hills spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Maryland melons garden page. Muskmelon spacing stays Maryland. Watermelon spacing is not on this hub.

Types

UMN Extension (Minnesota): cantaloupe and muskmelon have netted skin, a strong aroma and moist fruit that is usually orange, but may also be green. Watermelon and honeydew are more cold-sensitive than cantaloupe. Type notes on their sheet — not a cultivar mill.

Timing

UMN Extension (Minnesota): you can direct seed or transplant between mid-May in southern Minnesota and late June in northern Minnesota. Plant melon seeds 1 week to 10 days before the last spring frost date; wait until the soil is warm enough. Melon seed germination is best between 70 and 90 °F. Plant only after the soil temperature has reached 65 °F. Minnesota timing — not a national plant date.

Spacing

UMN Extension (Minnesota): plant the seeds ½ to one inch deep. Sow 2 or 3 seeds in groups 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 5 to 6 feet apart. After the seedlings emerge, choose the strongest plant in each group and remove the others. Transplants about two feet apart, in rows five feet apart. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Minnesota melons sheet. Mid-May to late June and 18–24 in stay Minnesota. Not fertilizer.

Types

Illinois Extension (Illinois): muskmelon, also known as cantaloupe, is a tender, heat-loving vegetable. Most varieties of muskmelon have a musk smell. Type notes on their sheet — not a cultivar mill. Illinois’s attributed hardiness wording — not a planting-safety promise. Honeydew is not named on this sheet.

Timing

Illinois Extension (Illinois): plant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed and dried. Start seed for transplants 3 to 4 weeks before planting time. Illinois timing — not a national plant date.

Spacing

Illinois Extension (Illinois): plant seeds one inch deep and thin the seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart or the equivalent (two plants every 36 inches or three plants every 48 inches in the hill system). Space rows at least 5 feet apart. Spacing on their sheet — not a BioArva average.

Limit

Illinois muskmelon page. After-frost timing and 18–24 in stay Illinois. Honeydew is not named here.