General
Melon (Cucumis melo) includes cantaloupe/netted melons, galia, and honeydew types. It needs long, warm summers or protection under a greenhouse/tunnel in cool regions. Plants are vining and sprawling, but can be trained vertically to save space and improve airflow. Consistent warmth and light, rich soil, and steady moisture are key to flavorful fruit. Cantaloupe types slip from the stem at ripeness and develop strong aroma; honeydews do not slip and ripen differently. In Scandinavia, most success comes from precultivation and protected culture.
Light
Full sun (at least 8–10 hours of direct light daily; very warm, sheltered site or greenhouse in cool climates).
Soil type
Fertile, well‑drained sandy loam rich in organic matter; deep, loosened soil beds or mounds. Add compost and a bit of well‑rotted manure.
Water requirement
Even moisture; avoid waterlogging. Water deeply 1–2 times per week, more often in heat. Keep foliage dry and water at the base.
Nutrient requirement
Heavy feeder. High potassium and moderate nitrogen. Start with compost, then side‑dress with balanced organic fertilizer; increase K and Mg during fruiting.
Precultivation
Sow 2–3 seeds per 7–9 cm pot, 2–3 cm deep, at 25–28°C for fast germination (use a heat mat). Thin to the strongest seedling. Provide very bright light and warm roots. Pot up once to 10–12 cm pots if needed. Harden off gradually for 7–10 days when night temperatures are reliably above 8–10°C. Ideal transplant stage is 3–4 true leaves, with compact, not root‑bound plants.
Planting
Site: full sun, sheltered from wind. Soil: pre‑warm with black mulch or plastic in cool areas. Plant on low mounds or raised beds for drainage. Spacing on ground: 80–100 cm between plants, 120–150 cm between rows. Vertical training: 40–60 cm between plants on a trellis; sling fruits in netting for support. Water in well and mulch (straw/leaf mold/compost) to keep soil warm and moist. In greenhouses, maintain good ventilation and consider hand pollination in the morning (transfer pollen from male to female flowers with a soft brush).
Pruning
Pinch the main stem after 3–4 true leaves to encourage laterals. Keep 2–4 strong lateral vines; on each, retain 1–2 fruits depending on vigor. After a fruit sets on a lateral, pinch that lateral 2 leaves beyond the fruit to focus sugars. Remove weak or congested shoots and late flowers after mid‑August in cool climates to ripen existing fruits. Train vertically where possible for airflow and cleaner fruit.
Maintenance
Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruit swell; reduce slightly near final ripening to concentrate sugars. Side‑dress with organic fertilizer when vines begin to run and again at early fruit set; use a K‑rich feed (e.g., tomato fertilizer or comfrey tea). Keep mulch to steady soil temperature and suppress weeds. In protected culture, manage temperature (vent >28–30°C to avoid flower drop) and humidity to reduce mildew. Monitor for pests (aphids, spider mites) and encourage beneficials (lacewings, ladybirds). Rotate away from cucurbits 3–4 years to limit soil diseases.
Harvest
Cantaloupe/netted types: harvest at full slip—fruit detaches with a gentle lift; rind shows developed netting, background color turns creamy, and aroma is strong at the blossom end. Honeydew/galia: do not slip; pick when background turns creamy/yellowish and blossom end yields slightly with fragrance. Cut with pruners leaving a short stem if not at slip. Best flavor at room temperature; chill after cutting. Typical harvest under protection in cool regions is August–September.
Common issues
Poor fruit set: low temperatures or lack of pollinators—ensure warmth, hand‑pollinate in greenhouse. Powdery mildew: common late season—improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, use sulfur/bicarbonate sprays if needed, remove affected leaves gradually. Aphids/spider mites: wash off with water, use soap sprays, introduce beneficials. Blossom drop: heat stress >32–35°C—ventilate and shade lightly. Fruit cracking or bland flavor: uneven watering or low potassium—maintain even moisture and feed with K. Root rot: waterlogged soil—improve drainage, plant on mounds.
Rotation schedule
Rotate 3–4 years away from all cucurbits (melon, cucumber, squash, pumpkin). Precede with legumes or leafy crops; follow with brassicas or alliums. Avoid after potatoes to limit soilborne diseases.
Pollination
Monoecious; insect‑pollinated. In greenhouses, hand pollination may be needed for reliable fruit set.
Companion plants
Sweet corn, bush beans, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, basil, borage, garlic chives.
Incompatible plants
Potatoes, fennel; avoid close mix with other cucurbits (cucumber, squash) to reduce pest/disease pressure.
