Watermelon & Cantaloupe

Cucurbits

• Watermelons and cantaloupe are both members of the cucurbit family of plants. Pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber and squash are also close family members. Despite their close ties, watermelon and cantaloupe will not crossbreed with each other or other members of the family. Although cucurbits do not crossbreed, they are happy to share leaf disease among each other. For this reason, it is best to plant watermelons and cantaloupes in separate plots.

Planting Conditions

• Both watermelon and cantaloupe are heat-loving plants that prefer outdoor planting when the soil reaches a constant temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the late spring. Watermelon and cantaloupe seeds germinate best at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch within soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, in clusters of two to three seeds planted 24 inches apart. Transplants prefer planting with a two-foot spacing, which gives them optimum room to spread.

Water Needs

• Cucurbits such as watermelons and cantaloupes do not require much water. In fact, too much water causes root rot. Watering at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per week is usually sufficient. Deep soakings with a drip hose are preferable over shallow watering with a sprinkler. A 2- or 3-inch layer of bark chip mulch or leaf litter around the watermelon and cantaloupe plants helps with water retention and suppresses the growth of weeds in the planting area.

Harvest

• The average maturation time for watermelons is 45 days. Cantaloupe requires less time to mature -- usually only 35 days. Both cucurbits require harvesting as they mature, since not all fruit will mature at the same time. Ripe watermelon and cantaloupe produce a hollow sound when you give them a tap with your fingers. Ripe cucurbits also break easily from the vine with little more than a gentle twist. Another sign of ripeness is a brown-colored tendril (stem) or a tendril that appears dry.