From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Trinity River Bottom

about 65 days until planting.

1/19/2011 3:57:13 PM

Cleveland Texas

I can't wait. I need about 2 weeks of dry weather and I'll be ready.

1/20/2011 2:31:39 PM

Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Remember that the cantaloupes mature much faster than pumpkins or watermelons. If you want a fruit for the October weigh-off you shouldn't plant until probably the beginning of June.

1/21/2011 10:16:35 AM

Trinity River Bottom

there are no Weigh Offs close to me.

1/21/2011 12:20:13 PM

Gold Hill, Oregon

thanks mshy this will be my first time growing cantaloupes.

1/23/2011 12:24:33 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

bpd, what mshy said is true...once they start to turn orange, get it onto a scale...they go down fast!!! Peace, Wayne

1/23/2011 12:40:25 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

I'm counting too...20 days (or so) till the KGPG Growers Seminar, in Richmond, Kentucky!!! YAHOO!!! Peace, Wayne
PS..sorry Kirk!!! LOL

1/23/2011 12:57:58 AM

Muddy Waters

is this start seed first of June?????? or plant in ground??By 1st of June I could put seed directly in ground???

1/23/2011 8:21:46 AM

Corryton, TN

Approx 85-95 from seed start to ripe fruit.

1/23/2011 9:02:43 AM

Corryton, TN

85-95 days

1/23/2011 9:04:00 AM

Muddy Waters

I should put seed in ground June10- 15th.Sound right??

1/23/2011 9:16:28 AM

Corryton, TN

Hhg. MOST of mine have been 85-90 days. Do the math backwards from your targeted weigh-off then go for it. Plant an earlier one or two for fun and the lope contest. Late plants can be a pain to get fruit to set if its hot.

1/23/2011 5:48:58 PM

Bowdon, GA

Plant several and hope one is ready about the time of the weigh off. Use Bro. Daves time. Like Wayne says they don't last long, so you want to pick them a little green. I have had them grow right up to when they turn yellow. So knowing when is tricky if your going to a weigh off. I just plant when the time is right and find a certified scale when they are ready.

1/23/2011 11:08:13 PM

Wv

is there a place on the vine which is ideal for the set? say like my AGs i wanted over 10ft from the stump and on the main vine? also should we cover the lope from the sun and weather? THANKS to you guys that have the lope growing under your belts it really keeps us rooks from messing up.TREETOP

1/24/2011 12:44:57 PM

Bowdon, GA

Glen I haven't paid much attention to placement as long as it's on a good vine. Maybe I should though. Shading is tricky. Seems like the ones that are completely shaded split easier, but if they get a lot of sun they burn easy. I think we had a discussion on the watermelon board about shading. I'll see if I can find it.

1/24/2011 5:14:29 PM

Bowdon, GA

I didn't find it it may have been through emails. I know I discussed it with Marty. Maybe if he reads this he can help us a little. I ussually shade mine but with something that lets a little light in. Of course there are so many factors it is hard to tell what accually causes spliting. Could also be fluctuating watering or pushing to hard. I don't know.

1/24/2011 5:29:03 PM

Corryton, TN

The plant will send out about 4-5 vines similar to a watermelon. I have only seen 1 female on one of these vines and it didn't set. These mains will send out side vines and typically the first leaf node will have a female. Sometimes the second leaf will also but I haven't had much luck with them in size. I start setting 4-6 ft out. Irregular watering will increase your number of splits! I rip up an old flat sheet and make multiple covers, nothing fancy.

1/25/2011 5:27:30 AM

Corryton, TN

Your NUMBER 1 enemy will be weeds. They don't really send roots down at nodes (I've see it once) so consider a ground cover for weed control. I use bamboo skewer to pin down vines until the get big enough to handle the wind.

1/25/2011 5:39:46 AM

Bowdon, GA

Good observations Dave

1/25/2011 9:38:24 PM