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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
06 Oct 15, Bob (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello, They are probably paddy melons
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Sep 15, Col Henssler (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
will rockmelon grow in Busselton W.A. Australia
Reply or Post a new comment
11 May 15, tony (Australia - temperate climate)
can you grow rockmelons in the cooler months
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jul 15, Max nicholas (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Not unless you have a green house, rockmelons grow best in hot climates. The frost wouls also kill them even if they were fully grown.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Apr 15, karl (Australia - temperate climate)
How long does it take for the rockmelon to ripen.once the vine has died off.thankyou....karl.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Mar 15, (Australia - arid climate)
"Pick on the Slip" -They will slip off the bush, so where the vine connects to the fruit it will break. you can sometimes see the stem connections starting to shrink. but if you lift up the fruit and it falls off its ready.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Mar 15, Russell (Australia - temperate climate)
How to know melons are ready to eat
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Mar 15, Athalie (Australia - arid climate)
Our rockmelons came up by themselves and we will be picking soon. How long will a rockmelon last when picked?
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Feb 15, Megan (Australia - temperate climate)
Could it be powdery mildew? If so spray with 50/50 milk and water once a week
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Feb 15, Michael Chenery (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My rock melon is growing wild looks very healthy but still no flowers since before Christmas How long will it take to flower Regards Mick
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 111 - 120 of 236 comments
See comments for all plants

I only thing I would suggest is not enough water. As melons are very high in water they need a good constant supply to fill out. Mulching the roots will help conserve water. All the best for next season.

- John

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.