Growing Cantaloupe Melons in the South

We have a couple of volunteer cantaloupe plants that grew out of a garden bed this year. I think the seeds probably came from the Hami melons, bought at Costco. To make compost, we threw kitchen scraps, included the seeds, there and were surprised of how easily these plants have grown. During the recent extremely hot summer, they continued to flower and set fruits. The only issues I saw were a lot of white aphids on the leaves and sooty molds on the surface of the fruits.

Cantaloupe on the vine

Cantaloupe plants, growing on a trellis

When to Pick Cantaloupes

They said to pick cantaloupes when the fruits are almost falling off the stems; however, this did not work for me. I had a few cantaloupes turned rotten after I waited for that long. It was best to pick when I could smell the ripeness and when the skin turned yellow.

Recently harvested ripe cantaloupes

Taste and Propagation

My family said this is the best cantaloupe melon they have ever had. It is sweet, crunchy, and has a pleasant fragrant. I happily saved the seeds to grow next spring since it has taken our Texas heat and humidity like a trooper.

Cross section of a home-grown cantaloupe

Click on the Link Below to See My YouTube Video of Cantaloupe Plants & Texas Garden:

Texas Garden in Fall Season

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