Cantaloupe - Cucumis melo (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Cantaloupe

Also known as: Muskmelon, Christmas melonc

Cucumis melo includes a variety of melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. These melons are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or dried. It is occasionally turned into oil or liqueur.

Scientific classification

Species

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Annual

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 mm to 2 cm

Flower Size

Green, Yellow, Brown, Gold, White

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Cantaloupe

Distribution of Cantaloupe

Distribution Map

Cantaloupe is native to parts of Asia and Africa, as well as Australia, and it is widely introduced worldwide. It has seen worldwide distribution as it's a popularly cultivated fruit. Cantaloupe favors hot climates and warm soil and thrives in nutrient-rich soil that's well-fertilized.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Cultivated fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Muskmelon can be dried, preserved, canned, or used in other processed products for sale.

Garden Use

The cantaloupe is a commercial fruit crop that can also be grown in home food gardens in containers or in the ground. This climbing plant is most often grown for its melon-like fruits. Gardeners can complement the cantaloupe by planting Corn, Beans, and Sunflower plants.

Symbolism

Longevity, good health

Interesting Facts

It is said that when cantaloupe seeds were introduced into China, many places couldn’t produce sweet cantaloupes. Until one day, a horse came to a soft sandy soil, licking it with cantaloupe seeds in his mouth, and sowed them. The next year, fresh, sweet and juicy cantaloupes grew up out of this land.

Name Story

Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe is derived from cantaloup in French in the 18th century and originated from Cantalupo in Italy. It was first appeared in English literature in 1739. The cantaloupe is probably originated in a region between South Asia and Africa. Later, it was introduced to Europe and became a commercial crop in the United States around 1890.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cantaloupe, including the following common varieties :

Cantaloupe 'Emir'

Quickly Identify Cantaloupe

Scrambling, trailing vine up to 10 feet (3 meters) long.

Large, lobed leaves with fuzzy texture and heart-shaped base.

Bright yellow flowers with 5 egg-shaped petals, 1 inch (2.5 cm) across.

Round to oblong fruit with rough, netted skin and sweet, juicy flesh.

Stem covered in long, white hairs, sturdy and branching for climbing.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Cantaloupe

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Cantaloupe flourishes in tropical-like conditions, needing consistent moisture without being overly wet or drought-prone. Watering twice weekly is optimal, especially during the growing season, to ensure healthy fruit development.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, cantaloupe needs balanced N-P-K fertilizers every 2-4 weeks during the active season, reducing to monthly post-harvest. Use 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, ensuring even distribution. Adjust based on soil tests and plant response to promote health and fruit yield.

Pruning: Cantaloupe thrives with regular mid-spring pruning, which enhances fruit quality and yield. Focus on removing lateral shoots, excess foliage, non-fruit-bearing vines, and diseased leaves. Clean tools are essential to reduce pests and promote healthier, larger fruit.

Propagation: The optimal propagation method for cantaloupe is sowing in Spring, with moderate difficulty. Signs of successful propagation include robust seedling growth. Maintaining adequate soil moisture and warm temperatures enhances germination success.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Cantaloupe

Distribution of Cantaloupe

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Cantaloupe

Care Guide for Cantaloupe

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases