Learn how to grow rock melon (cantaloupe, honeydew) from seeds in containers or in raised bed in garden at home, as I am growing in Australia. Rock melons are usually round or slightly elongated with firm, netted or buff rind. They have moist, sweet flesh, and a distinct tropical fragrance. The flesh of rock melon will be white, golden, orange or lime green, depending on the variety of rock melon you grow. The green- fleshed are muskmelons, while orange-fleshed are honeydews.
Follow this step by step guide for growing rock melon at your home from seed to harvest. How to grow sugar baby watermelons from seeds
 |
| Growing Rock Melon at Home |
Growing Rock Melon From Seeds
Rockmelon Varieties
There are several varieties of rock melon, some popular varieties include 'Minnesota Midget', 'Hale's Best', 'Sugar Cube', and 'Athena'. Choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and available space.
Consider Dwarf Varieties: If you have limited space, consider growing dwarf or bush varieties that are more compact and suitable for container gardening.
Soil
Soil Requirements: Rock melons thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Sunlight
Choose a sunny spot in your garden or balcony where the plants will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Rock melons need 3 to 4 months of warm weather, so select a spot with maximum sun duration.
Sowing Seeds
Rock melon Seeds
You can plant cantaloupe seeds directly from the cut rock melon, as long as the melon is fully ripe. The seeds do not require any treatment like soaking before sowing. However soaking seeds need for 12 hours in water will speed up germination if you plant have dry seeds.
 |
| Rock Melon Seeds |
The seeds should be sown directly in soil, no need to plant them first in small pots or prunets to grow seedlings. In fact, the rockmelon seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. However, in cooler climates, you can start rock melon seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Direct Sowing: If you live in a warm climate, you can sow seeds directly into the garden after the end of frost.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, about 18 inches apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart.
Germination: Keep the soil consistently moist. Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days when the soil temperature is between 21-32°C (70-90°F). The seeds will not germinate at temperature below 11°C (70°F).
As cantaloupe is an annual vine, you will have to plant seeds every year.
 |
| Germinated Rock melon Seeds |
Transplanting Seedlings
Transplant seedlings into the garden when they have grown at least two sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 4 to 6 feet apart.
Watering
Water when the soil is dry about 2 inch below the surface, test this by inserting your finger in soil. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Rock melons need consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering on the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Mulch
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips or sugarcane, around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time to encourage strong root development.
Feed a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote vigorous growth. But feed a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium when flowers appear. I also feed a liquid fertilizer, like Powerfeed every 2 weeks after flowering until harvesting.
Compatible Plants
- Cantaloupe vine is compatible with Sweetcorn and Sunflowers, so they can be grown nearby, but plant them away from potato plants.
- Grow companion plants like nasturtiums or marigolds nearby to deter pests.
Trellis or Ground
Rock melon plants produce long vines that can spread across the ground. The question is whether to grow rock melon or cantaloupe on the ground or vertically on trellis. To save space, you can train the vines to grow vertically on a trellis. This also helps improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Trellised rock melons need a much smaller portion of the garden.
Pruning
Remove any damaged or diseased leaves promptly.
Prune excess foliage to improve air circulation and also to allow more sunlight to the fruit.
Pest and Diseases
The vine can be infested with pests like aphids, cucumber beetles and spider mites. Spray neem oil to control infestations.
Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering and applying fungicides.
Pollination
The rock melon plant has both male and female flowers. The male flowers have a straight stem, while female flowers have a small fruit at the base. The flowers are pollinated by bees to transfer pollen from male to female flowers. You can hand-pollinate by gently transferring pollen from a male flower to a female flower using a small brush.
Harvesting Rock Melons
Rock melons grown from seed will be ready for harvesting in 12-18 weeks after planting.
A single rock melon vine can grow 2 to 6 melons, each weighing 1–2 kg, depending on the variety and the amount of space available. Because melons grow on the ground, put some hay or straw below the fruit to prevent rot.
Rock melons are ready to harvest when the fruit easily separates from the vine with a gentle twist. The skin should have a slight give when pressed, and the fruit should have a sweet aroma.
Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small stem attached.
How To Improve Taste of Rock melons?
- Lack of magnesium or boron in the soil will grow unsweet tasteless rockmelons. To sweeten rock melons, mix about 1.5 tablespoons of Epsom salts and 1 tablespoon of borax in 5 liter (1.3 gallon) of water and give to the plant.
- Add lots of composted manure in the soil while planting.
- You can just sprinkle salt on the soil to improve the taste.
- The add blood meal an bone meal in the soil every 3 to 4 weeks.
Storing Rock Melons
Store harvested rock melons at room temperature for a few days to allow them to fully ripen. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How to Grow Rock Melon in a Pot
Growing rock melon in a pot is possible if you have limited space in your garden. With the right care, you can successfully cultivate rock melon on a balcony, patio, or even indoors.
1. Rock melon Verities: Choose compact or dwarf varieties of rock melon suitable for your local climate.
Rock melons thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
2. Pot Size: Rock melons have extensive root systems, so choose a large pot with a minimum diameter of 20 inches and a depth of at least 18 inches so they get ample space to grow. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Mix some compost or aged cow manure to boost fertility. Rock melons prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
4. Sowing Seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds directly into the pot, about 1 inch deep. Once the seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves, remove the weaker ones, leaving the strongest plant.
If you have started seeds indoors, transplant the seedlings without damaging the roots into the pot when they have 2-3 true leaves.
5. Sunlight: Place the pot in a sunny spot, such as a south-facing balcony or patio so the vine gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
If growing rockmelon plant indoors, place the pot near a sunny spot or use grow lights.
6. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply whenever the top one inch of soil feels dry to touch. Avoid overwatering to prevent to root rot, so ensure the plant never sits in standing water.
7. Trellis / Support: Since rock melon vines can grow long, provide a trellis or support for the plant to climb. This saves space and keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.
8. Fertilizing: Once the plant starts flowering, feed a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium every 2-3 weeks.
Video on Growing Rock melons From Seeds
How to grow sugar baby watermelon from seeds youtube video