Growing Rockmelon, also Canteloupe

Cucumis melo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  S S  
T                     T

(Best months for growing Rockmelon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Young melons
  • Leaves and flowers

Start in small pots then transplant when no danger of frosts. Plant into a raised mound to provide good drainage and warmth. Provide plenty of water.

Ready to use when the fruit falls from the vine.

In cold climate regions start the seeds in a heated greenhouse with plenty of light in order to have a long enough growing season.

Rockmelons may need hand pollination with a soft brush.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rockmelon

Cut in half and scoop out and discard the seeds.
Sprinkle with some ground ginger or serve plain.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
04 Apr 23, Jagjit (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
What pesticide should be used & fertiliser?What time should give fertiliser?Thaks
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05 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Fertilise before planting or after the plants have established a bit.
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28 Oct 22, Vincent Power (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What is the growing habit of Cantelope. Can I train them up a trellis or mesh frame to 2 metres or do they spread sideways?
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07 Mar 23, Peter Chapman (Australia - temperate climate)
I harvested my first Rock Melon Yesterday, It weighed 3KG and is delicious. I have another 17 melons still on four vines. I grew mine on a trellis and up against a chicken wire wall about 6ft high. It grew up the trellis and back across the chicken wire roof of my garden. It also started going across the neighbour's chicken wire roof. I made up hammocks because I believe they would break off the vine due to weight. I used a fairly large square of an old stretchy T shirts. Tie some string in each corner and suspend the melons. I grew them in well fertilised, cow poo dug in and gave them a lot of cow poo mixed with about 4 handfulls of Rooster Booster in a 60Lt rubbish bin full of waer. Hope this helps. Cheers Pete (NSW Central Coast)
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30 Oct 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
You could let them grow on a trellis or along the ground.
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09 Sep 22, Sally O'Wheel (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I want to grow my rockmelon in a poly-tunnel, in a wicking bed. What do you think?
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14 Sep 22, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can probably do it. Might be a bit of trial and error though. Read up about growing in poly tunnels - a bit different to out in the open
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31 Mar 22, Vicki (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In the above chart for rockmelon, am I correct in assuming that the blank months (F.M.A.M.J.J,) after planting is the growing season.
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01 Apr 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The blank months are when you don't plant seeds or transplant seedlings. The S is for planting seeds early - like indoors (warmer atmosphere inside than outside if planting say spring summer crop). P is normal outdoor planting times and T is plant out your seedlings. These times are a little late. Commercial growers have there seedlings planted by end Sept here sub tropical. Your question is right and wrong to some degree. If all months are blank then nothing grows. Forget about the blank months, the guide is about PLANTING TIMES.
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03 Nov 21, Maria Craig (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
can you make a frame to grow rock melons on if so what type I live in Auckland New Zealand
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