🌱 How to Grow Cantaloupe (Muskmelon) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: खरबूजा (Kharbooja)

• Tamil: முலாம்பழம் (Mulaam Pazham)

• Telugu: ఖర్బూజ (Kharbuja Pandu)

• Malayalam: മുലാമ്പഴം (Mulampazham)

• Kannada: ಕರಬುಜ ಹಣ್ಣು (Karabuja Hannu)

• English: Muskmelon / Cantaloupe

• Botanical Name: Cucumis melo

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season fruit

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring-Summer: Jan–Apr

  • Monsoon crop: Jun–Jul (only in well-drained soil)

• Ideal Temperature: 24°C–35°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in organic compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake powder before sowing

• Raised beds help with drainage and root health

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In-ground: 2–3 feet between plants, 4–5 feet between rows

  • In large grow bags or 18–24 inch containers: Sow 2–3 seeds and retain the strongest seedling

• Water lightly after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth

• Reduce watering during fruit development for sweeter melons

• Use drip irrigation or base watering to avoid wetting leaves

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 7–10 days

• Provide warmth and sunlight

• Thin out weak seedlings early

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Best growth between 24°C to 35°C

• Use mulch or dry straw to protect growing fruit from soil contact

7. Fertilization

• Apply organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• Use banana peel tea or potash-rich fertilizer once flowering begins

• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen — it promotes foliage over fruits

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, whiteflies, fruit flies, powdery mildew

• Use neem oil + soap spray every 10–15 days

• Prune yellowing or diseased leaves and maintain airflow

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 75–90 days

• Signs of ripeness:

  • Fruit develops sweet aroma

  • Skin changes to a netted or beige color

  • Stem cracks and easily detaches from the fruit

• Cut using a sharp knife

10. Regrow Tip

• Save seeds from fully ripe melon

• Rinse off pulp, dry seeds thoroughly

• Store in a cool, dry place for future planting

🍈 Health Benefits of Muskmelon (Cantaloupe)

• High water content – great for hydration

• Rich in vitamin A & C – boosts immunity and skin health

• Aids digestion – contains dietary fiber and enzymes

• Supports eye health due to beta-carotene content

• Natural coolant – perfect for summer