Cantaloupe 


Cucumis, C. Melo 


Overview: 
  • Cantaloupe - Honey Rock 
  • Cucumis, C. Melo 
  • The time to grow these plants is during May and June 
  • This is an annual plant
  • Appropriate planting pot would be 16 to 18 inches 
Difficulty Codes: 
  • Harvesting Codes 
    • Green = EASY 
    • Yellow = MODERATE
    • Red = DIFFICULT 
      • Cantaloupe is considered moderate to harvest (yellow) 
      • Harvest the plant when the color is yellowish-gray and has a sweet aroma  
  • Growing Codes 
    • White = EASY 
    • Gray = MODERATE 
    • Blue = DIFFICULT 
      • Cantaloupe is considered easy to grow (white) 
      • Basic Necessities: warm climate, and enough room for growth 
Planting Instructions: 
  • Warm Soil, with full sun (6+ hours) 
  • The Planting Depth is 1/2 inch 
  • Space the seeds 3 inches apart
  • Seedlings will appear in 7 to 10 days  
Harvesting:
  • 74 to 88 days 
  • Harvest the plant when the color is yellowish-gray and has a sweet aroma 
Water Requirements:
  • Cantaloupes need about 1 - 2 inches of water per week 
History: 
  • The name cantaloupe comes from a community that lived in Cantalupo in Sabina, Italy  
  • Cantaloupe was cultivated in the 1700s 
  • The plant would be brought over to the Americas by Christopher Columbus
 Health Benefits:
  • Cantaloupes contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and much more!
    • Potassium can reduce blood pressure
    • Fiber can reduce the level of cholesterol 
  • Cantaloupes can reduce the risk of cancer
    • Contains antioxidants that can fight off inflammation and decrease stress caused by oxidative   
Recipe Ideas: 
  • Making juice or smoothie 
  • Mixing with other fruits 
  • Kebabs 
  • Grilling 
Facts:
  • Most popular melon in the United States 
  • 90% of cantaloupes are grown in the states of Arizona, Texas, and California 
References: 

Cantaloupe. Visit the main page. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cantaloupe

Moyer, K. (2021, October 14). 15 cantaloupe ag facts. AgHires Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.aghires.com/15-cantaloupe-ag-facts/

Tilley, N. (2022, November 23). Harvesting cantaloupe: How to pick Cantaloupe. Gardening Know How. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cantaloupe/harvesting-cantaloupe.htm

WebMD. (n.d.). Cantaloupe: Health benefits, nutrients per serving, uses, safety information, and more. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cantaloupe#:~:text=The%20fiber%2C%20potassium%2C%20and%20vitamin,your%20blood%20pressure%20in%20check.