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Growing Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon in the Vegetable Garden
The Planters Jumbo cantaloupe melon thrives in rich and sandy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Loosen up the soil with a garden tool before sowing, and add some extra compost on top of the soil to ensure it has the proper nutrients for vine growth. The soil should be kept moist, so water vines consistently each week, making sure to do so near the soil surface to keep the vines dry. These vines need warm weather and full sun.
Sow them outdoors in a warm environment, or sow them indoors and transplant them after the threat of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 0.5 inches deep directly into the ground. Space the seeds about 2-3 feet apart if planting in mounds or about 24 inches apart in rows, with 4-6 feet between rows to give the vining plants ample room to spread out. If you're starting the seeds indoors, start them 2-4 weeks before the last frost in your area. Once the seedlings are about 3-4 inches tall, harden them off before transplanting them outdoors.
Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods and fruit development. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. For fertilization, use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to encourage fruiting. Applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at the beginning helps the vines thrive but avoid too much nitrogen later in the season. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Planters Jumbo cantaloupes are good candidates for trellising because of their smaller fruit side. Still, the fruits should be supported with slings made of fabric or netting to prevent the melons from detaching prematurely. As the vines produce melons, trim off any flowers or smaller melons that grow. This will keep the plants' energy directed at producing large and juicy melons.
Harvesting Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon
When the melons are ready to be harvested, which will happen between 80 and 90 days, they should be at their full size, turning slightly golden. To harvest, gently tug the melon free. Wait another day or two if the melon does not come free after a light tug. The cantaloupe should detach easily when fully ripe. After being harvested, they will keep for a few weeks in cool conditions.
About Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon Garden Seeds
Cantaloupes, including the Planters Jumbo variety, are believed to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and spread throughout the Mediterranean.
The Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe is an excellent melon variety for home gardeners looking for large, sweet fruit. It's perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or adding to fruit salads and desserts.
Cantaloupes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"One of my favorite reliable resources for learning about how to grow a certain plant, especially if I have little or no experience with it, is the Encyclopedia of Gardening edited by Christopher Brickell. It has everything! I joke with my husband that it is one of my most prized possessions."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 3 g - Wholesale - Approximately 100 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 4,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo
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Melon Type: |
Cantaloupe - Cantaloupe is a muskmelon with a scaly or 'netted' outer rind, and sweet flesh that is most commonly orange, but can also be yellow or green. The flavor can only be described as 'cantaloupe', while the odor is slightly musky. |
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon Color: |
Deep orange flesh with tan skin. |
Planters Jumbo Cantaloupe Melon Flavor: |
The fruit is sweet, juicy, and aromatic with a rich, musky cantaloupe flavor. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
80-90 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.5-1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
24 inches in row or 2-3 plants per hill. |
Row Spacing: |
6 Feet |
Plant Height: |
12-15 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Sprawled, Trailing Vine |
Soil Preference: |
Melons prefer warm, well-draining but moist, nutrient-rich, loamy to sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-90 F). |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Melons may be started indoors 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date, as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed starting containers for long as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock. |
Melon Pollination: |
Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators. |
Plant Spread: |
48-72 inches |
Plant Width: |
48-72 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 80-95 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-95 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Resistant to Powdery and Downy Mildews. Generally, melons are commonly susceptible to pest damage by aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, cutworms, white flies, and melon worms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Melons are also susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, and Bacterial Wilt. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Melon Use: |
The fruit is perfect for fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |