Growing Cantaloupe
A true summer fruit, and nothing from the grocery store compares to one picked ripe off the vine.
How to Grow Cantaloupe
Planting
Direct sow after the soil is thoroughly warm, or start indoors 2–3 weeks early. Give the vines plenty of room to sprawl, or trellis them with slings to support the fruit.
Watering & feeding
Deep, consistent watering while fruit is developing, then ease off in the final week before harvest, this actually concentrates the sugars.
Harvest
Look for the stem to start separating from the fruit on its own, a ripe cantaloupe will “slip” off the vine with barely a tug, and it should smell sweet at the blossom end.
Grows Well With
Plant cantaloupe near corn, the tall stalks provide a little afternoon shade that helps through the hottest stretches. See all our companion planting pairs →
When to Plant
Direct sow after mid-May once soil is reliably warm. This is a full-summer crop; expect harvest to start in late July or August. See the full planting calendar →
Buy the Seeds We Use
From the Seed Center
Shop Cantaloupe Seeds
$1.25
From the Kitchen: Recipes Using Cantaloupe
Looking for recipe ideas? Browse the full Recipe Book.