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

28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
27 Feb 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The seeds scooped out of a rockmelon be used to grow seedlings. I realise they would have to be dried first, but then its too early here in NSW central plains to plant. Thank you for any assistance.
28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Unless the variety is an F1 hybrid you most certainly can save the seed and it will produce true to type. The chances of it being an F1 are very slim and it would have said so on the seed packet. F1 seed is still OK but may not produce the same as its parent. Rinse them thoroughly in a sieve and lay them on paper towel or cloth to dry. When they are dry store them in a paper bag or envelope with the name and date written on it. Trust this helps.
01 Mar 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks John for that information. Will give them a go in Spring.
27 Feb 17, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Put the seeds in a glass of water. The ones that sink to the bottom are the good seeds...dry them out and store them to plant in Spring. They should be good to keep for 3 to 4 years. You can start them in pots 4-6 weeks before Spring, then plant the seedlings in early Spring.
20 Dec 17, teigan (Australia - temperate climate)
Does this just apply to rockmelon/ melon varieties or other seeds?
01 Mar 17, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks David, will follow that advice and give them a go in spring.
29 Jan 17, Kiara Brown (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I'm growing rockmelon and they are about 8cm big. Something has been eating them do you know what it could be?how do I fix and it is also eating my cucumber?
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I forgot to dd that unfortuately the fruit that has been attacked will probably shrivel and die depending on the extent of the damage. Trust this helps.
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is a chewing pest (Caterpillar) use Yates Natures Way insecticide. I don't like to recommend brands but this product is organic and is harmless to anything but caterpillars. It is actually a bacteria that stops the caterpillar from eating. The caterpillar can be eaten by a bird with no effect. Trust this helps.
Showing 71 - 80 of 236 comments

There are many different kinds of melons in the world but the ones we call rock melons in Qld use to grow green and turn yellow when ripening. The new varieties the commercial growers grow are green and they stay green. They are grown to suit the supermarkets, size, transportability and shelf life. Very hard when to know when to pick them. A grower told me 85 days after planting he picks, that is in the spring. If you look on the web for melons you will find a site with 25 different kinds.

- Anon

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