What it is
Cantaloupe (Muskmelon) (Cucumis melo) is in the Cucurbitaceae (Gourd) family. Slips free from the vine when perfectly ripe — that 'full slip' is your harvest signal.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it even, then drier to ripen, and give it sandy, rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 36 in apart. Expect roughly 75–90. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Cantaloupe (Muskmelon) is used: fresh.
🔎 How to identify it
- Lobed rough leaves
- Netted tan rind
- Sweet aroma at the stem when ripe
Edibility
PartsFlesh
UsesFresh
CautionNone.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.