Cantaloupe

Growing Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is the crop that Rocky Ford is famous for. Grown under ideal conditions, our cantaloupe seeds are some of the best to be found. Hot days, cool nights and timed drip irrigation produces sweeter melons.

Cantaloupe seeds may be planted directly in the ground when soil temperature reaches 65º and all danger of frost is past. Heavy feeders, they prefer a sandy loam amended with composted manure. In cooler climates, start seedlings inside, transplanting when putting out the rest of your warm weather crops. Planting in hills, 3′ apart in rows 5′ or 6′ apart is recommended. Seed should be planted at a 1″ depth. Water at the base of the plant or with irrigation every two weeks until melons reach softball size before allowing the plant to finish maturing without watering further. Drier soil at this stage improves sugar content. Cantaloupe are ripe when fruit pulls from the vine with no effort.

Good companion crops are radishes, nasturtium, catmint and dill. Bad companion crops are tomatoes, mustard, strawberries and beans.