From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Wv

how far should i let the first lope set from the stump? TT

6/27/2011 12:52:20 PM

Corryton, TN

I like 3-6 ft. I haven't had much luck waiting longer. Melons seem to get smaller and the plant gets old. Could be poor management on my part.

6/27/2011 2:18:12 PM

Bowdon, GA

I agree with Bro Dave 5-6ft best for me. Dont want to go much further if your growing 100-125 sqft.

6/27/2011 5:00:07 PM

Wv

Thanks Guys. tt

6/27/2011 7:30:52 PM

Hamilton Nj

you guys just made my day,lol i have 2 melons that look polinated today about 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches long there about 3 feet out and 5 feet out hope they took the bees did their job!!! the one i tryed to self but i think it was already polinated !!! pizza

6/27/2011 8:44:07 PM

sevierville, Tn

How about less then a foot ? i have a female on a side vine. The vine is off the 2nd leaf on the stump, and the female is on the 1st leaf on the vine. Is that too close?? There are other females forming 3-4 feet away.

6/28/2011 2:38:57 PM

Corryton, TN

I don't think it will be your keeper but if it gets hot and you can't get another to stick don't blame me. I'd want more plant behind it. Hmmm Measure it. Then watch it for a couple days. No rush to decide either way.

6/28/2011 7:30:11 PM

Bowdon, GA

Set em all cull later LOL. Mine ussually abort alot of females before one sets. Don't know why but mine seem to have countless blooms but only a few set. Anybody else see this too?

6/29/2011 11:48:58 PM

sevierville, Tn

Wow, talk about a small male flowers. Hard to see if there was any pollen. Can they cross with anything else?

6/30/2011 2:40:29 PM

Bowdon, GA

I don't know if they cross with anything else. I can't hardly keep up with the females like on a watermelon. When the plant gets big the blooms get out of control. I'm glad Bro Dave has been hand pollinating, I haven't gotten motived to do it yet.

6/30/2011 11:48:12 PM

Corryton, TN

I'm sure they cross with other cantaloupes. Don't know about honeydew or canary type melons.

7/1/2011 5:56:12 AM

sevierville, Tn

Ok, i was concerned with melons,squash etc. They are the only lopes in my garden.

7/1/2011 3:40:49 PM

Jamul

Maybe they will cross breed but they won't run away to get married because they cant elope.

7/6/2011 12:34:39 AM

Waynesboro, Virginia

LOL...Touche Rustico....Muskmelons can only cross between the species...ie-Hales Best and Crenshaw...Honeydew and Casaba...ect.

7/6/2011 12:47:26 AM

sevierville, Tn

Great to know, no time this year for lope crosses. i'll let the zillion bees do their thing.

7/6/2011 3:04:13 PM

Jamul

I am glad to find the answer too. There are two 50# Gibsons plants in the patch that, if they make mature fruits, will be either selfed or sibbed. No other cantaloupes anywhere near flowering, but yes on cucumbers.

7/6/2011 5:29:32 PM