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

04 Feb 15, sandy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have about 20 fruit growing at various stages on the one plant but all of a sudden the leaves are going spotty then brown and dying.any suggestions
01 Feb 15, Bill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
rockmelon plants grow well, lots of male flowers, occasional female flower, these go to about marble size, yellow and drop off. maybe not pollinated?
13 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like not pollinated - cross pollinate them by hand.
28 Jan 15, Horsome (Australia - temperate climate)
I finally have fruit growing ! 4 plants, planted seedlings Oct, Nov. In a sandy soil with some fresh compost mix. The turning points? Big rainfalls in late December encouraged plant growth, recently started picking of runners as female flowers weren't taking, then bam over a week later about half a dozen fruit took off, aiming to get 2 dozen at least.
16 Jan 15, JAn Vedova (Australia - temperate climate)
When do you know your rockmelons are ready to be picked
18 Jan 15, Ferran (Australia - temperate climate)
You can tell when to harvest rockmelons by either tugging slightly on the stem directly attached to the fruit, if it comes of the stem it is ready, some varieties this doesn’t work for. Alternately smell the fruit you should be able to smell a sweet aroma if the rock melon is ready. If you still can't decide look at the skin in most varieties if differs slightly from the unripened ones also check the seed packets for a rough guide as to how many weeks from harvest you will be able to start harvesting. Good luck, enjoy your rock melons.
11 Jan 15, Jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Six months ago I created a No Dig garden and I haven't looked back Two months ago I planted Rockies and I am happy to report that I have fruit. Try the No Dig Garden method and I think you will be very pleased, with all your vegies. Organic and wonderful for you and the earth.
02 Jan 15, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How disappointing to have lost the fruit and flowers! Could it be they're getting too much sun? Maybe give them some shade using a few pruned branches from a handy bush. Maybe try a higher dose of potassium to encourage flowering, such as a compost tea with banana skins. I hand pollinate my rockmelon flowers to ensure the little female flowers set fruit. Hope it recovers so you get some lovely rockmelon!
11 Jan 15, Dent. (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Im kinda new to gardening. I have done it on and off but always on learning curve. I will try what you sugested and see how it goes. I appreciate you replying.
01 Jan 15, Dent (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My vines came from seedlings that were planted around 7-8 weeks ago. I had some small (small gape size) fruits just starting, now they are gone. I live in Brisbane, plants get watered and fed regularly. Do they need to be covered or anything? There are no flowers left now, am I going to get fruit or should I pull them and start over? Thanks guys.
Showing 121 - 130 of 236 comments

Hi, My French friend says he has not had rockmelons as tasty as he had back in France. He is in the food industry. Do they generally grow a different variety there and if so, is that variety available to grow (or perhaps buy) in Australia? We live in Sydney. He is such a nice guy that I would love to surprise him with a solution - perhaps some seeds of that variety. Thank you, Regards, Ian

- Ian Fuller

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