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

14 Feb 14, Taleatha.Mcfarlane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can you grow rockmelon seeds in a big patch of soil like other plants? Because I have to grow seeds at school I have my own patch of soil where plants have preversly grow in
06 Feb 14, Phil (Australia - temperate climate)
My new garden is smothered by vines of self germinating rockmelons from the compost bin. Had a tree removed and then enriched the soil with compost for the tomatoes -they are now competing with the rockies. With the unusually hot summer here in Tumut plus some generous seasol they are going gangbusters. Pity my wife doesn't like them .. so our neighbours and I will enjoy them.
24 Jan 14, My (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If I waited until it is ripe, ant/bird ate before I harvested it. I tried once to harvest before it is ripe, the melon tasted very plain, not sweet. So, how do I prevent bird or ants eat the rock melons before I harvest?
29 Sep 14, Sammie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I find placing fake snakes and frogs in your garden help... just move it around the garden every now and then....
08 Jan 14, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have grown Rockmelons in Brisbane ,and had about 10 but there are still a few flowers on the vine but no more rockmelons appear to be growing .When do I actually pull up the vines as there appears to be nothing happening except small yellow flowers, do they all come at once or in waves?
07 Jan 14, reg rouse (Australia - temperate climate)
As I have limited space can I tip prune my rockies, Will this help the remaining fruit grow larger. thank you
25 Dec 13, Denise Purser (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My dad used to grow a fruit on a vine that we put sugar on to eat. Had a flowery texture and a very thin cream skin and was oval in shape and seeds in middle. We called them cubes (not sure if this is correct spelling). I can't find anything on them anywhere, so any help would be appreciated as it is needed to settle a dispute.
23 Dec 14, Marilyn Bluhdorn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Denise, I think what you are describing could be Indian Cream Cobra Melon. If so, seeds are available online from Eden Seeds.
20 Nov 13, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Sue, just starting my rockmelons now. How long did it take to germinate them?
28 Nov 13, Marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
Between 7 to 12 days dependant of the heat and amount of water they get.
Showing 141 - 150 of 236 comments

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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