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How to Grow Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis)

Ready to grow Cantaloupe?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Find Your Cantaloupe Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
Category vegetable
Type Vine
Days to Maturity 80 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (8+ hours)

💧

Water

Regular, reduce near harvest

↔️

Spacing

48" apart

🌱

Depth

1" deep

📏

Height

12-18"

🌱

Germination

5-10 days

Ready to Grow Cantaloupe?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

🛒 Buy on Amazon 🌿 True Leaf Market

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🤝 Good Companions

CornSunflowerMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

CucumberPotato

Cantaloupe Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Cantaloupe Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cantaloupe? +

Start Cantaloupe seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Cantaloupe take to grow? +

Cantaloupe typically matures in about 80 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Cantaloupe indoors or direct sow? +

Cantaloupe should be started indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Cantaloupe need? +

Cantaloupe requires full sun (8+ hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Cantaloupe? +

Space Cantaloupe plants 48 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Cantaloupe need? +

Cantaloupe has regular, reduce near harvest water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

About Cantaloupe

Sweet summer melon that needs warm soil and long growing season. Fruits are ripe when the stem slips easily from the vine.

Expect your Cantaloupe to be ready for harvest in approximately 80 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.