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

26 Dec 11, Barbara (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted rock melons and water melons in a tank. The plants germinated and appeared to be growing well and flowering. However the tiny rock melons turned yellow and dropped off when about 1 cm long. Do you think there is a soil deficiency?
31 Dec 11, NAFISA (Australia - arid climate)
Barbara, The same happened with my pumpkins in Broken Hill, until I was told that it is a pollination problem. Bees do not want to live in Broken Hill. We have to hand pollinate the dear pumpkins. Lots of info about how to on the internet. Nafisa
12 Dec 11, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
There are a couple of photos on the rock melon page. Click on them to make them larger.
12 Dec 11, malcolm (Australia - arid climate)
what do rockmelon leaves look like .i got a plant growing .iknow i have put rockmelon seeds in the garden ,but never seen rockmelon grow from scratch
14 Dec 11, Ian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Perhaps you could try starting out the seeds in pots with good quality potting mix. As a rule I always sow 3 times as many seeds as I need for my own use. You get to pick out the strongest for yourself; some may fail, and you can give others away whilst comparing ideas with other local gardeners. Hope this helps.
06 Dec 11, Liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do I know when a rock melon is ready to harvest
06 Dec 11, Ian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rockmelon are ready for harvest when the stem begins to brown and appears to be separating where it attaches to the melon. I carefully lift the melon and try to gently rotate the stem, it will come away easily when ready.After harvest I leave them outside 2-3 days in mild sun to ripen. Then into the fridge.Hope this helps.
15 Nov 11, jojo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I 'm in west of Melbourne This is my first time to grow rockmelon. Do they grow on the ground or I need to make some stakes to hold them up? cheryl said she has a rockmelon vine. What is this? do I need one to grow my rocky? what is the best PH soil to suit growing rockmelon?
06 Dec 11, Ian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Rockmelon must be left to grow on the ground as they rapidly gain weight and would quickly detach themselves if they were suspended. Sheep manure well dug 2-3 weeks before planting . You're friends vine is definately horizontal. Hope it helps.
11 Nov 11, kayla (Australia - tropical climate)
we have just started a vegie patch and just wondering how big rock melon vines get?
Showing 191 - 200 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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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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