How to Grow Cantaloupe: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Start indoors about 3–4 weeks before set-out (UNH). Transplant or direct sow about 2 weeks after last frost (UNH; CSU very tender). U.S. “cantaloupe” is muskmelon (Cucumis melo) — keep honeydew on its own page later.

Cantaloupe at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 2–1 wk before last frost; Transplant or direct sow: 2 wk after last frost
SunFull sun at least 6 hours/day (prefers 8–10) (UMD).
SpacingUMD muskmelon (cantaloupe): 24″ in-rows × 60″–72″ between rows; or 2–3 plants in hills spaced 6–8 ft apart.
Days to harvest80-100 from transplant (UMD); 85 (CSU)
-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Cantaloupe / muskmelon (Cucumis melo) — keep distinct from honeydew.

Muskmelon / cantaloupe fruit
Muskmelon / cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). Photo: USDA / Scott Bauer, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain (resized).

Planting timing

UNH melon (T): time from seed to transplant 3–4 weeks; safe to set out 2 weeks after last frost. (UNH when to plant) UMD melons: “Direct sow the seeds in a sunny, well-drained area when all danger of frost is past and the soil is warm. For earlier fruit, start seeds indoors 3 weeks prior to transplanting.” Days to maturity 80–100 days from transplanting. (UMD melons) CSU lists cantaloupe among very tender crops typically planted 2+ weeks after the average last spring frost. (CSU vegetable planting guide) Planner: Start indoors last frost −2 to −1; Transplant last frost +2 (UNH set-out; CSU 2+).

Depth and spacing

UMD muskmelon (cantaloupe): 24″ in-rows × 60″–72″ between rows; or 2–3 plants in hills spaced 6–8 ft apart. Black plastic mulch or black landscape fabric can produce larger and earlier harvests (UMD).

Sun, soil and water

Full sun at least 6 hours/day (prefers 8–10) (UMD). Warm, well-drained soil; medium fertility — compost before planting; excess nitrogen side-dress may lower yield and quality (UMD), so we do not print synthetic rates. Bee pollination is needed; remove row covers at flowering.

Care

Row cover until flowering, then remove so bees can reach the blooms (pest section). Prefer drip or soaker under plastic mulch when used (UMD).

Harvest

About 80–100 days from transplanting (UMD). Check your seed packet for variety days.

Pests and diseases

UMD lists cucumber beetle, squash vine borer, bacterial wilt, downy mildew, and powdery mildew. Cultural: row cover until bloom; sanitation. For cucumber beetles see UMN cucumber beetles; powdery mildew cultural notes on UMD powdery mildew on vegetables. Prefer cultural controls first; use any product as the label directs.

Related: ZIP planner · organic pest control · watermelon · cucumbers · all grow guides · honeydew

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant cantaloupe?

Start indoors about 3–4 weeks before set-out; transplant or direct sow about 2 weeks after last frost (UNH; CSU).

Is cantaloupe the same as honeydew?

Related Cucumis melo groups — keep separate pages. Honeydew is planned later.

How much space?

About 24 inches in the row × 60–72 inches between rows, or hills 6–8 feet apart (UMD).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources