How many melons?

outdoor_mom 6/9/2011, 1:52 pm

I have planted four cantaloupe and two watermelon vines, and the heat we've been having the last few weeks has made them just take off! The cantaloupes especially have big leaves and lots of blossoms and seem to want to take over. My question is, how many vines should I allow each plant to develop, and how many melons? I have them trellised, and I plan to put them in slings when they need it, but I don't think the plants could possibly develop all those blossoms into mature melons. (I think I've done a pretty good job pruning my tomatoes, but melons are completely new to me.) Any suggestions? Thanks,
Eileen

quiltbea 6/9/2011, 2:46 pm

Regardless of the number of blossoms, a plant will only produce 1-4 melons per plant. The males arrive first, then the bulbous females.

Most young melons will grow to the size of an egg, then shrivel and send nutrients back into the vine.

Fertilize with compost tea when the fruits set and 2 weeks later.

Water generously at time of transplanting and as fruits develop.

Once fruit has set and reached full size, do not give extra water until plants show signs of wilting.

At harvest time...Withhold watering last 10 days before picking to allow sugars to form.

For watermelons, reduce watering 4 weeks before harvest when they are 2/3rds grown. When the first ripe watermelon is picked, stop watering completely.

Believe me, there's nothing better than a fresh watermelon from your own garden.

This was my 14-lb Sugar Baby last year. Mmmm good.

Miss M 6/9/2011, 3:10 pm

Thank you, I was wondering about that! Our melons were blooming like crazy, but most of the baby fruits died back. Now I know that is normal. Very Happy

kiwirose 6/24/2011, 12:24 pm

Thank you quiltbea for all that information - it is very helpful to me - I have 3 different types of melons going this year - but didn't know those details - I would surely be seeking all these answers in a few weeks so thanks for sharing!!!

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