11/19/2023 0 Comments Starting cantaloupe seeds indoors![]() They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant.Your plants may produce fewer melons, but they will be larger and of better quality. Once fruit begins to grow, prune end buds off vines.If you’ve had an exceptional amount of rainfall during the ripening stage, this can cause bland fruit.Hot, dry weather produces the sweetest melons. Reduce watering once fruits are growing.Mulching around the plants can help to retain moisture.If possible, use drip irrigation to keep plants consistently and evenly watered.Water in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves, as wet foliage encourages fungal and other diseases.While the plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need about 2 inches per square foot of water (about 1.5 gallons) per week. Row covers are a good way to keep pests like squash bugs and vine borers at bay.Later on, avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, as too much nitrogen can result in lots of foliage and less fruit. If a soil test indicates that nutrients are lacking, fertilize with a standard liquid fertilizer when vines start growing and spreading.If you have limited space, vines can be trained up a support, such as a trellis.Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 18 inches apart, in hills (or hilled rows) about 3 feet apart.If you live in a warmer climate, you may direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil temperature warms to at least 60☏ (16☌).Cantaloupe vines are very tender and should not be transplanted until all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures remain above 60☏ (16☌). If you are in a colder region, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost date. ![]() In colder regions, starting with young plants is recommended, as it will give you a head start on the growing season.
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