how to grow cantaloupe from fresh seeds

Sow one seed per pot at a depth of 1/4 inch and water well to moisten the soil. Temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit provide the best conditions for germinating cantaloupe seeds, so set the peat pots on a propagation mat to keep them warm if indoor temperatures stay below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you grow cantaloupe from store bought?

Growing cantaloupe from seeds can be a fun and fruitful experiment, so don't throw out the seeds from the one you just bought from the store! Grow them in your garden this growing season for fresh and free cantaloupes!

Should I soak cantaloupe seeds before planting?

Seed Watering Notes: Be careful not to overwater germinating seeds or they may rot. It's best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering again if possible until seedlings emerge.

Can you plant fresh melon seeds?

Grow melons from seeds or seedlings. ... Melon seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 65°F (18°C). Start melons indoors 4 to 3 weeks before planting out into the garden; sow seed in peat pots in seed starting mix. The indoor temperature should be between 80° to 90°F (27-32°C) until germination.

How long does it take to grow cantaloupe from seed?

Most cantaloupe cultivars take between 65-90 days from germination to reach maturity, so let that be your guide. To sow in seed trays, add a good quality potting mix to each cell and then use your finger to make a 1/2-inch-deep hole in each one.

Can you save cantaloupe seeds?

Storing melon seeds that are not completely dry results in moldy seeds. Once the seeds are very dry, place them in a clean, dry glass jar. Write the seed variety and the date on a label and tape it to the jar. Put the jar in the freezer for two days, and then move to the refrigerator.

Can you grow cantaloupe from cantaloupe seeds?

Cantaloupe seeds must be mature to germinate, so it's best to only take seed from fully ripened fruit. Generally, cantaloupes reach maturity in mid- to late summer, although the exact time varies by cultivar.

What is the cheapest way to start seeds indoors?

Use Yoplait Kids Plastic Cups/ or any other item in your kitchen to start your seeds indoors. Use Plastic wrap over each of your homemade containers until your seed sprouts to keep in the warmth. Use Seed Starting Soil Mix– it's lighter. The other stuff may work or it may not.

What month do you plant cantaloupe seeds?

Cantaloupe prefers warm weather, so don't plant it before temperatures have warmed in the spring. Cantaloupe does best when direct sown. Sow seeds outside about 2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperatures are about 65℉.

How do you start seeds in egg cartons?

An easy solution is to cut off the container lid and put it under the bottom of the carton. Poke holes in the bottom of each egg cup and any moisture will drain out and into the lid underneath. Fill each egg cup with potting soil and place seeds in to the appropriate depth.

Can you grow melons in pots?

While you can grow full-size melons in containers, you'll get the best results with dwarf cultivars that produce smaller fruits and shorter vines.

How do you save melon seeds for planting?

Store melon seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place and always keep them in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity.

Are cantaloupe seeds healthy?

Cantaloupe and honeydew melon seeds have a similar nutritional profile. They are rich in vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, K, niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5) as well as choline. They are also high in the minerals calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

How many cantaloupes will one plant produce?

One plant can produce up to 8 cantaloupes, but it depends on your area's cantaloupe variety and conditions.

Do cantaloupe plants need full sun?

Plant cantaloupes in full sun in well-drained soil. Cantaloupe plants need about 85 days to mature, but don't rush planting. Sow seeds only when temperatures reliably stay above 50 to 60 degrees F. Plant in groups of two or three seeds spaced 2 feet apart.

Is cantaloupe easy to grow?

Cantaloupes (aka rockmelons, sweet melons, and spanspeks) are an easy growing specialty melon that can be direct sown after all danger of frost, or started indoors 3-4 weeks before setting out. Growing cantaloupe plants occupy a fair bit of space, so be sure to leave enough room for the vines to spread out.

Do cantaloupe seeds contain cyanide?

This is incorrect. Watermelon, cantaloupe, apple, peach, apricot, and so forth seeds are packed full of nutrients; even more than most commercially sold seeds. ... Also, apricot seeds which are bitter, are said to be poisonous because they contain hydrogen cyanide.

What can you do with cantaloupe seeds?

We also think the size of cantaloupe seeds makes them better for sprinkling on top of soups, salads, dips, desserts and even baking them into your favorite cookies. Of course, eating them alone or simply adding them to mixed nuts makes these the perfect healthy go-to snack!

Where does cantaloupe grow best?

Other states that produce cantaloupe commercially in limited volume include Texas, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In our opinion, of course, the best place to grow cantaloupe is sunny California.

Can you grow cantaloupe indoors?

Direct sowing is recommended, but to get a head start you can grow cantaloupe indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in individual biodegradable pots indoors. Sow 2-3 seeds per pot.

How do I know when to harvest my cantaloupe?

In fact, most cantaloupes are ready to be picked once they're fully ripened, changing from green to a tan or yellowish-gray color between the netting. A ripe melon will also exhibit a sweet and pleasant aroma. One way to tell if a melon is over ripe is by looking at the rind, which will appear quite yellow and soft.