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Buffalo,Minnesota

I have a few fruits that are about 1.5 to 2 " long now. Since this is my first year growing a garden, I don`t know how long its going to take to get eating size fruits. My 3 and 4 year olds are already asking if we can pick em! I`m guessing maybe a month or six weeks. Any body have a guess? Thanks.

Dan

8/2/2002 12:34:38 AM

Rydal, Georgia

Most cantalope should be smaller than a volleyball and have a nice webbing across the fruit that makes them look tan to some degree. Some have rounded ribs and others are nice and round. If the vine dies or the cantalope starts to smell sweet and very soft, it may be too late. I have had to pick six this week a little earlier, just to keep the rats from diging into them before I could pick them. Good Luck.

8/2/2002 9:40:27 AM

Ypsilanti Michigan

The last few years I grew cantalope. They do get a web on them, and turn a golden orange yellow color. The way I found them to be ready is when you pick them up, the vine stem will come loose from the fruit. Don't force it loose. If you let them set too long, they will rot in no time. Watch for little black bugs with yellow spots on there back, they can make a meal out of your cantalope. "Id get some chicken wire fence, and bend them in a cone shape, and cover the fruit to protect them from animals. This method kept animals from pulling up my squash seeds when they poked through the ground. I found some seed that grows in the "50" pound range, gonna give them a try. Put stirofome sheet, I think this is how you spell it, under the fruit for protection. I hope they tast good for you and your kids?

6/24/2003 8:09:48 PM