Edibles – Fruit – Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe

Botanical name: cucumis melo 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: about 5 ft in height with a spread of 3 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 5-11 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: yellow

Bloom time:  spring and summer blooms, fruit for harvest in the mid-summer 

Pruning instructions: prune lightly to maintain desired shape and size during the spring, summer, and fall months 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: edible garden, pollinator garden, container plant, herb garden

Special features: attracts pollinators, disease resistant, pet-friendly, heat-tolerant 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release organic fertilizer one a year in the spring, feed with compost at the time of planting 

Best time to plant: spring, summer 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: oregano, dill, basil, marigolds, green beans 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no