Types of Cantaloupe to Grow on a Trellis

Small Trellises

• Select a variety with vines that grow to only about 4 feet long if space is limited. Dwarf and mini cantaloupes are suitable for smaller trellises. Midget Muskmelon, Minnesota Midget and Sweet ‘N Early hybrid cantaloupes grow 3- to 4-foot-long vines. Minnesota Midget vines grow to about 3 feet long and produce 4-inch-diameter melons. These smaller melons will still need to be supported. Slip the leg of a pair of pantyhose or a mesh bag over each melon when it grows to the size of a golf ball. Attach the pantyhose or bag to the trellis, being careful not to constrict the melon stem.

Large Trellises

• Larger vines that produce larger cantaloupes can also be grown on a trellis. The trellis will have to be 6 to 7 feet tall and sturdy enough to hold heavy vines and cantaloupes. When space allows, erect the trellis at an angle for better support of the vines and melons. Hales Best Jumbo and Hearts of Gold both have vines that grow to about 6 feet tall. Hales Best Jumbo melons weigh about 4 pounds while Hearts of Gold melons grow to about 3 pounds. Superstar vines can grow to 8 feet long, producing melons that weigh about 7 pounds. When growing these large types, keep only one sturdy vine out of each hill or group of seedlings. Train the vine to grow up the trellis until it reaches the maximum desired height, and then pinch off the top of the main vine. This will limit the vine height and cause the vine to put more energy into the melons. These larger melons will require larger nylon or cotton mesh bags to support them, even if the trellis is set at a 45-degree angle.

Cool Climates

• When selecting a type of cantaloupe to grow on a trellis in cold-winter locations with short growing seasons, choose a variety that matures quickly. Minnesota Midget melons are generally ready to harvest after 63 days. Earlisweet is a larger cantaloupe variety that produces 5-pound melons in about 70 days. Sweet ‘N Early melons grow to about 6 pounds in 75 days or so.

Hot Climates

• In areas with long growing seasons, the length of time to harvest becomes less important when choosing a type of cantaloupe to grow on a trellis. Hales Best Jumbo melons are ready for harvest after about 80 days, Superstar melons take 85 days and Hearts of Gold melons take 90 days. This length of time to harvest must still be kept in mind, though. Cantaloupe vines often drop their flowers without producing melons if daytime temperatures remain above 90 degrees F for three days or more. When planting these slower-maturing cantaloupes in hot climates, be sure to start them early enough to set fruit before daytime temperatures get too high.