Hardiness Zone: 8b
Gwyn from Foresthill, CA
Cracking is a problem commonly face by gardeners growing all types of melons. Like all melons, cantaloupes need a constant supply of soil moisture when they are becoming established, and throughout their growth and fruit development stages. If cantaloupes are grown in poorly drained soil, they may split or crack if excessive moisture is persistent at maturity. They may also crack when heavy rain or irrigation follows a dry spell-regardless of how well drained the soil is. Maintaining even soil moisture levels throughout the growing season is the key to avoiding this problem. Cantaloupe crops should not be irrigated when the melons are ripening. Not only will this cause some of the melons to split and crack, but it will also result in lower sugar content and less sweet tasting melons. Sometimes weather conditions make controlling soil moisture difficult. Certain varieties (e.g. Earliqueen, Athena) have been developed to produce rinds that are less resistant to cracking. There are many to choose from, so ask your favorite nursery or seed company what they recommend. Using black plastic or mulch will also help control weeds and moisture levels, as well as keeping soil temperatures nice and warm.
Good luck!
Ellen
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I have lovely cantaloupe vines that had lots of blooms that were covered with insects, but only have one melon. How do I get them to produce more melons?
My cantaloupe plant was doing good at first, but after the fruit starts the leaves and vine starts to die.
My cantaloupes have had hundreds of blooms for several weeks, but no fruit forms. Bees and yellow jacket wasps are visiting the blooms constantly. What can I do to get fruit?
My cantaloupe vines look horrible. They are brown and dry, yet they get watered a few times a week. I have them in a raised vegetable garden and I live in Florida. What could be wrong?
I am trying to grow cantaloupes. The plant is growing and has blooms. When can I expect the actual fruit to show. Also will it come from a bloom? Your help is appreciated.
