Cantaloupe Cucumis melo

Cantaloupe is a warm season, annual climber in the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). This species, native to Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, New Guinea and Australia, encompasses many of the edible melons. There are many domesticated kinds of melons, some of which have been cultivated for millennia. Another common name for cantaloupe is muskmelon, which comes from the musky odor the fruits may emit when cut open.

Cantaloupe needs full sun and neutral to acidic, moist soil with good drainage. It will grow in loam or clay, but will appreciate the addition of organic matter to thrive. Cantaloupe is typically supported by cages or trellises, but if there is enough space, it can be allowed to trail along the ground. It will climb 6 to 9 feet high and spread 1 to 3 feet wide. Propagate by seed. Plant seed outdoors after the last frost or start seed indoors four to six weeks prior to the average last frost date. Pick fruit when young; older fruit toughens as it matures. 

The species is typically divided into a number of groups, most of which are not known in the wild: canteloupensis (cantaloupe), reticulatus (netted or muskmelons), inodorous (honeydew), flexuosus (American cucumber), chito (mango melon or vine peach), dudaim (Queen Anne) and conomon (Oriental pickling melon). The fruit in this species varies by cultivar in terms of shape, size, rind, texture, flavor, and flesh color, so gardeners have many choices. The flesh is watery and sweet.  

Being a climbing vine, cantaloupe is suitable for growing on vertical spaces. They are also perfect for edible and cottage gardens. The cantaloupe plant attracts bees and other pollinators. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants in the cucumber family are susceptible  to cucumber beetles and wilt, powdery mildew, downy mildew, gummy stem blight, and anthracnose disease.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common cucumis diseases as well as a factsheet on common insect pests and other problems.

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