Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis

Cucumis melo, or Muskmelons, are a species of warm season climbing or scrambling vine with edible fruit in the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber) family.  They have sweeter more watery flesh than other members of the cucumber family.  Cucumis melo are probably native of Asia, although it has been in cultivation for so long that its native habitat is lost in time. The fruits in this species vary by cultivar in terms of shape, size, rind, texture, flavor and flesh color and provide the home gardener with many choices.

The Cucumis melo v cantalupensis, or Cantaloupe, is a cultivar of Cucumis melo and, like its parent, is a warm-season annual vine that produces large, sweet juicy fruits whose average weight is 3 pounds, but can range from 1 to 11 pounds. There are two types of Cantaloupe, European (v. cantalupensis) and American (v. reticulatus), where the European is lightly ribbed with a sweet and flavorful flesh and a gray-green skin.

This annual vine needs full sun and well-drained, loose, moist, high organic matter soils. It will grow in clay, but likely will need organic amendment to thrive. Consistent soil moisture and warm, sunny conditions are essential for this frost tender plant. Canteloupe are typically supported by cages or trellises, but if there is enough space, they can be allowed to trail along the ground. Plant seeds outdoors after the last spring frost or start the seeds indoors in pots or other containers about 4-6 weeks prior to the last spring frost date. Pick fruits when young (older fruits toughen as they mature).

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Members of the Cucurbits family are subject to many insect pests and diseases problems including cucumber beetles and wilt caused by cold weather stress.  

VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Penny Perkins-Veazie, Professor and Postharvest Physiologist at NC State's Plants for Human Health Institute

More information on Cucumis melo.