What does the inside of a cantaloupe look like?

Cantaloupes are a type of melon with a tan-green rind. Typically, the rind is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, though some varieties may also be striped. Inside, the flesh is bright orange and sweet.

How long does it take for Cantaloupe to mature?

It matures in approximately 90 days. Ambrosia: One of the sweetest cantaloupe varieties. Minnesota Midget: This is the variety I grew, and if it hadn’t been for those pesky squirrels, it would have been well worth the effort. This variety matures in about 75 days, which is quick for melon.

What’s the best way to care for cantaloupes?

Fertilize when vines start growing. Row covers are a good way to keep pests at bay. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves. Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest melon.

How is a cantaloupe related to a watermelon?

The cantaloupe is a juicy, orange summer fruit that’s related to the watermelon and honeydew melon. It also belongs to the same plant family as cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes, and gourds.

What should you do with an unripe cantaloupe?

The unripe cantaloupe should be stored at room temperature in a paper bag. The storage conditions will help the cantaloupe mature faster and soften the flesh. But the flavor of the fruit will not be changed.

What kind of soil do you need for cantaloupes?

If you live in a warmer climate, you may direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil temperature warms to at least 60°F (16°C). Cantaloupes do best in well-draining soil that’s a mix between loamy and sandy. Plant in a spot that gets full sun. To produce the best melons, the plants need all the light they can get.

Why are my cantaloupes cracking when I pick them?

Too much watering can dilute the sugar content in the melon as it ripens and affect the flavor of the fruit. It’s common to hold back on your watering in the last week before you harvest the melons. When a cantaloupe is ready to pick, the stem will start cracking slightly where it meets the stem. It’s overripe when it falls off completely.