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
21 Dec 14, Goanna (Australia - temperate climate)
Rockmelons do not ripen after being picked. They just go soft. Do not pick until they go orange and smell sweet.
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28 Oct 14, Monica (Australia - tropical climate)
I still dont know which variety to plant in a country like Fiji. And i dont know why people over here are onlyconcentrating on sugarcane and stuff. Hardly anyone is concerned about these fruits
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23 Apr 14, Barry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It seems a waste of vine to not be able to cook n eat it for rockies or watermelon. Any one know how to cook the vines and eat? Are they safe to eat?
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11 Apr 14, Francois (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I do also put all my scraps from my vegy/ fruits juices directly into the soil. That's back in Feb and now I have rock melon flowers starting everywhere and 2 weeks ago I have my first 5 fruits growing so fast. Its very easy but need a lot of water morning and evening. I'm close to Brisbane.
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26 Mar 14, Carolynne (Australia - tropical climate)
We put all our kitchen scraps in the garden and have very healthy rockmelon leaves coming up. Is it too early to plant them out?
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18 Mar 14, Sachin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is best time to cut rockmelon from plant
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28 Oct 14, Monica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Did you know that rock melon ripens after it is harvested? mate u should harvest it when it starts showing the stripes or breaks...
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13 Mar 14, Marilynn chenhall (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I cook rockmelon flowers the same way as zucchini flowers I got given some of each from the school vege patch
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10 Mar 14, john hallas (Australia - arid climate)
what do I feed them on, who sells it
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17 Feb 14, Geoff (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get some rock-melon seeds for Western beauty Large yellow fruit with orange spots when fully ripe, sweet and juicy?
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Showing 131 - 140 of 236 comments
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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

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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.
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