- Soil requirements: Cantaloupe melon seeds prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth.
- Sunlight needs: Cantaloupe melons require full sun exposure, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Watering requirements: Cantaloupe melons need consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the fruit matures to prevent splitting.
- Planting season: The best time to plant cantaloupe melon seeds is in the spring, after the last frost date when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).
- Depth and spacing: Plant cantaloupe melon seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 4 to 6 feet apart. If planting in hills, space the hills 3 to 4 feet apart with 2 to 3 seeds per hill.
- Germination time: Cantaloupe melon seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days under optimal conditions.
- Maturity time: Cantaloupe melons generally take about 70 to 90 days to reach maturity after planting.
- Harvesting time: The best time to harvest cantaloupe melons is in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler. This helps preserve the fruit's flavor and texture.
- Harvesting tips: To determine if a cantaloupe is ready for harvest, check for a sweet aroma and a slight softness at the blossom end. The fruit should easily detach from the vine with a gentle tug. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Store harvested melons in a cool, dry place and consume them within a few days for the best flavor.
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