Cantaloupes are one of the most delicious fruits you can grow, with their sweet, musky flavor and soft, juicy orange flesh. Traditionally grown sprawling across garden beds, cantaloupes can also thrive when grown in containers. With the right setup and care, you can enjoy fresh, vine-ripened cantaloupe straight from your patio or balcony. Follow this complete guide to successfully grow cantaloupe in pots or other containers.
Choosing a Container
To provide enough room for cantaloupe roots to spread and grow select a container that is at least 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep. Larger is fine too. Options include
- Plastic or resin pots and planters
- Wooden planter boxes
- Fabric grow bags or pots
- Metal buckets, tubs, or other vessels
Make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil. For a continuous harvest, consider planting 2-3 cantaloupe plants in a larger container or spreading plants across a few separate pots.
Getting the Soil Right
Cantaloupes need nutritious, well-draining soil. A premium potting mix formulated for fruits and vegetables is best. Or create your own mix by combining:
- 1 part compost or coco coir for moisture retention
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
- 1 part peat or potting soil for nutrients
Mix in a granulated organic fertilizer like fish meal or alfalfa meal to provide nutrients for healthy growth. The soil should be light and fluffy, not compacted.
Choosing a Dwarf Cantaloupe Variety
Look for a dwarf or bush cantaloupe variety suited for growing in containers Recommended compact varieties include
- Minnesota Midget – 2-3 pound melons on a 3 foot vine
- Sugar Cube – 2 pound melons on a 5 foot vine
- Sweet Granite – 4-5 fruits on a 5 foot vine
- Passport – 4 pound melons on a 5 foot vine
Dwarf varieties save space and won’t outgrow a pot as easily as full size cantaloupe vines.
When and How to Plant
Cantaloupes prefer warm soil and air temperatures. Wait 2-3 weeks after your last expected frost date to sow seeds directly in containers. Follow these tips:
- Plant 3-4 seeds in each pot, 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart
- Cover seeds lightly with potting mix and water gently
- Place container in full sun
- Maintain soil temperature of at least 70°F for best germination
Once seedlings emerge, thin to 1-2 of the strongest plants per container
Supporting Vines with a Trellis
As the cantaloupe plants grow, their vines can be trained up a trellis or other support to save space. Install a trellis when plants are 4-6 weeks old. Guide vines up as they lengthen. Fruits will hang below the foliage.
Watering and Fertilizing
Cantaloupes are heavy drinkers and need consistent moisture for best growth and fruiting. Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting foliage.
Fertilize plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea. Discontinue fertilizer a month before expected harvest so flavors fully develop.
Pollinating Flowers
Hand pollinating the yellow cantaloupe flowers with a small brush will increase fruit production. Or introduce bee pollinators by placing a bumble bee nest or mason bee house nearby.
Harvesting Ripe Cantaloupes
Cantaloupes are ready for picking when:
- They detach easily from the vine
- Rind between netting turns yellowish or cream colored
- Rind is fragrant and resists pressure when pressed
- Unpollinated flowers near harvest end should be removed
Enjoy your homegrown melons within a day or two for peak flavor.
Tips for Container Cantaloupes
Follow these tips for success with cantaloupes in pots:
- Use dwarf varieties suited for containers
- Site in full sun with at least 8 hours of light
- Maintain consistent moisture in soil
- Train vines up a trellis or other support
- Hand pollinate flowers for higher yields
- Harvest melons at perfect ripeness
With the right care, you can grow sweet, juicy cantaloupes in containers even with limited space. Enjoy summery melon flavor fresh from your own patio garden!
Tips For Growing Cantaloupe in Containers – YES It’s Possible!
FAQ
Can you grow cantaloupes in a 5 gallon bucket?
Does cantaloupe need a trellis to grow on?
Do you need two cantaloupe plants to produce fruit?
How to grow cantaloupes in containers?
Starting from seed, let’s take a look at how to grow cantaloupes in containers. Cantaloupes are a summertime crop, so it’s best to sow your seeds around four weeks before the last frost. You can start your seeds in seed trays, ensuring they are under light for 14-16 hours a day.
Can you plant cantaloupe in pots?
Traditional soil, such as the type of dirt you can dig up in your backyard, is much too dense for cantaloupe planted in pots. It will trap moisture in the container to the point where it can cause fungal issues for cantaloupe as well as root rot. Instead, opt for potting soil or soil specifically designated as safe for container gardening.
Can you grow cantaloupe from seeds?
Yes, cantaloupes can be grown from seeds in containers. Start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or sow them directly in the container once the soil has warmed up. Follow proper seed planting depth and provide optimal growing conditions for successful germination.
How do you grow a cantaloupe?
Cut sections of it, lay it over your plant, and tie the ends down on something. Use multiple layers as the plant grows. Cantaloupes, like most fruits, need lots of water to grow and produce yummy fruit. Ensure they are getting 1-2 inches of water a week, and make sure the soil remains moist.