Cantaloupe is in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) and it is a warm season crop that needs full sun. This species is Native to Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, New Guinea and Australia. Another common name for cantaloupe is muskmelon, which comes form the musky odor the fruits may emit when cut.

Cantaloupes require a neutral to slightly acidic soil with good drainage. The plants generally trail along the ground, but they can be supported by cages or trellises. It can climb 6 to 9 feet high and spread 3-6 feet wide. You can plant seeds outside after the last frost or when soil temps reach about 65 degrees. You can also start seeds indoors and plant in 4-5 weeks.

It is best to base your fertility program on a soil sample. If no soil sample is available apply ten pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet before planting. Melons should be sidedressed before the vines start to run. Sidedress with 34-0-0 at two pounds per 100 feet of row. Sidedress a second time if needed when fruit is developing on the vine.

When harvesting check to see if the stem will slip from the fruit. If you have to pull the fruit away from the stem it may not be ripe yet. It generally takes about 70 days from seed to maturity. The plants typically yield two-three fruit per plant. Store ripe melons at 36-41 degrees F for up to 10-14 days. Plants are susceptible to cucumber beetles and wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew, gummy stem blight, and anthracnose.

Recommended varieties include (Standard Varieties): Athena, Ambrosia, Accolade, Aphrodite, Atlantis, Astound, Cleopatra and Ridgeway(local favorite).

For more information about cantaloupes, or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Franklin County Center office at 919-496-3344, or visit our website.

Stay tuned for nutritional information about blueberries in the next Growing in Franklin article.