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

23 Feb 19, Edith (New Zealand - temperate climate)
thankyou for your answer. The forecast was for days of rain so I snipped them off and they are in the shed which gets pretty warm. The info on them splitting in rain is valuable thankyou and I am glad I have taken the gamble and picked them as it is solid rain for days. I will put an update on if and how they ripen when it happens. thanks again.
01 Apr 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi there. Once I've harvested and eaten the delicious rockmelons, do i leave the plant there till next year? Or shall i pot it and bring it inside when it turns colder. Will it fruit again next year? Thanks so much!
02 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You grow one crop over about 4-5 months and then dig them out. As the melons ripen the vines will die.
20 Apr 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Thank you so much! Dunno why but couldn't find info on this on google
Showing 11 - 14 of 14 comments

Hi there. Once I've harvested and eaten the delicious rockmelons, do i leave the plant there till next year? Or shall i pot it and bring it inside when it turns colder. Will it fruit again next year? Thanks so much!

- Liz

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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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