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

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16 Jan 18, Hanneke Koevoet (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Do I need hand pollination if see quite a lot of bees in the flowers
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20 Jan 17, Ron Leggett (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am trying manual pollination. Not a lot of success. Do I need to pinch out the leaders to promote more lateral growth and more flowers?
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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.
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17 Sep 10, Jancis (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can you tell me anything about how long it takes until the leaves sprout from the seed tray? I need to know!!!
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Showing 11 - 14 of 14 comments
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I threw a rotten rock melon outside. And now I've noticed plants coming up. I've got radishes growing where they are, is that ok. I live in the Adelaide hills.

- Kylie Mulders

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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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