How far apart should I plant Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?

About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).

Does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) need full sun?

Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.

How much water does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) need?

Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.

How cold-hardy is Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?

It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.

When does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) flower?

About 4–6 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.

Is Muskmelon (cantaloupe) poisonous to cats and dogs?

For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Flesh is safe; the rind and seeds can cause stomach upset in pets if eaten in quantity.

What grows well with Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?

There is no well-documented companion pairing for Muskmelon (cantaloupe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo

Muskmelon (cantaloupe) (Cucumis melo) is an annual vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Africa and southwestern Asia (exact origin debated). It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.

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Muskmelon (cantaloupe) at a glance

Type	Annual vegetable
Family	Cucurbitaceae
Mature height	30–50 cm (12–20 in)
Mature spread	1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft)
Spacing	60 cm (24 in) centre to centre
Sun	Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day
Water	Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none
Soil pH	6–7
Cold hardiness	About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10)
Heat stress	Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F)
Flowering	about 4–6 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks
Days to maturity	About 85 days from planting
Wind tolerance	Low
Pollinator value	Moderate
Edible	Yes: fruit flesh, seeds
Native to	Africa and southwestern Asia (exact origin debated)
Common in gardens of	🇺🇸 United States, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan

Is Muskmelon (cantaloupe) toxic?

People: not known to be toxic
Cats: not known to be toxic
Dogs: not known to be toxic

Flesh is safe; the rind and seeds can cause stomach upset in pets if eaten in quantity.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Muskmelon (cantaloupe)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.

Keep apart or take care

caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C

Shared pests and diseases

Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew spreads between cucurbits in warm, dry weather. Evidence C

Questions about Muskmelon (cantaloupe)

How far apart should I plant Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?: About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
Does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) need full sun?: Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) need?: Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
How cold-hardy is Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?: It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
When does Muskmelon (cantaloupe) flower?: About 4–6 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
Is Muskmelon (cantaloupe) poisonous to cats and dogs?: For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Flesh is safe; the rind and seeds can cause stomach upset in pets if eaten in quantity.
What grows well with Muskmelon (cantaloupe)?: There is no well-documented companion pairing for Muskmelon (cantaloupe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society

Notes and assumptions

Needs warm soil and a long hot season; in cool climates use transplants under cloches or in a greenhouse.

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

Related plants

Cucumber Cucumis sativus
Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
Bitter melon Momordica charantia
Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca
Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria