Last Updated on October 15, 2022 by Griselda M.
Wondering how to grow cantaloupe indoors? This top guide guarantees success and can save you from headaches.
Cantaloupe is a popular type of muskmelon that delights us with its delicious taste every summer. It can be eaten in all possible ways, such as a snack, breakfast, side dish, or dessert. This refreshing summer treat contains nutrients that can benefit a person’s health in many ways.
Cantaloupe is grown all over the world, mostly in sunny gardens; however, did you know that it can be grown indoors as well? Therefore, stay with us and learn how to grow cantaloupe indoors.
Cantaloupe; What is it and What is it Used For?
The cantaloupe plant, also known as muskmelon, mush melon, rockmelon, and Persian melon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes honeydew melons, watermelons, and cucumbers.
It grows on low vines and is covered in a spiderweb-like pattern, although some varieties may also be stripped. As for the color, it is not the same in all stages of maturation the same. The color varies from green to beige, depending on the period. When halved, the cantaloupe plant has orange, sweet flesh with seeds in the center.
The fruit is recognizable by its characteristic, pleasant aroma that is felt even when it is not halved. In addition, cantaloupe has a distinctive juicy, delicate and sweet taste flavor, and should not be sour or bitter. Unripe fruit will generally not be sweet and will lack crunchiness, while unlike it, overripe fruit will have a mushy and mealy texture.
Here are some of the benefits we associate with regular consumption of the cantaloupe plant:
- Protects eye health and prevents damage caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Regular consumption can help prevent asthma from developing later in life.
- Supports overall heart health and helps lower blood pressure.
- Helps prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. It reduces the risk of lung, prostate, as well as other types of cancer.
- Prevents constipation and improves the overall efficiency of the human gut.
- Stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss.
A Guide To Grow Cantaloupe Indoors
One of the main reasons why gardeners most often choose to grow cantaloupe indoors is that they simply adore the heat. When you grow them in containers, you have all the flexibility you need. On warmer sunny days, you can take them outside to sunbathe and keep them indoors or in a greenhouse overnight. Best of all, you can do this for as long as you need to.
Now let’s move on to the process itself.
1. Choosing a container
The cantaloupe plants require a lot of space for their roots to grow. Therefore, try to get a container that is at least 16 inches deep and 14 inches wide. It is recommended to be made of sturdy plastic, terra cotta, or breathable fabric. It is important that the container is smaller to make it easier to move around.
Also, if the container doesn’t have drainage holes, drill them. You can even add pebbles to the bottom of the pot for better drainage, however, it is not necessary. Also, provide a place for a container in your home where the plant will be able to get about 6-8 hours of sun a day. You can also use supplemental growing light.
2. Preparing the container for planting
The first step you need to take is to fill the container to an inch below the top.
When choosing soil to use, you can choose between good quality, well-draining potting mixes, well-draining garden soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure, or classic soil that you can find in your garden.
Also, pay attention to the acidity of the soil you plan to use, as Cantaloupes prefer soil whose pH is 6.0-6.5.
3. Sowing process
As for planting, you have two options, you can directly sow the seeds into your container or start them in seed trays.
First, dig a half-inch-deep hole and then drop two seeds inside. Direct the seed with the pointed side down, as that’s where the roots emerge. Then simply cover it with a thin layer of soil and water. Instead of the classic watering from the top, it is recommended to use a spray bottle, so as not to displace the seeds.
If you want to encourage them to germinate faster, you can cover the container with plastic to keep moisture inside. It is only important to remove the plastic cover the moment the first green shoot pokes through the soil.
Abstract
Cantaloupes are not only delicious fruits, but they also offer many benefits to our health. They improve the health of the heart and blood vessels, are an excellent source of hydration, protect our eyes, and can even prevent some types of cancer.
We hope you found this article on how to grow cantaloupe indoors useful. If you have any questions, let us know in the section below.
Read more about Growing Sweet Basil Indoors From Seed; The Ultimate Guide To Success
FAQs
How Many Cantaloupes Will One Plant Produce?
If all the conditions for healthy growth and development are provided, the Cantaloupe plant will produce 2 fruits per plant on average.
How Long Does It Take Cantaloupe To Produce Fruit?
The Cantaloupe plant matures and begins to produce fruit in about 80 to 90 days. The ripe fruit is most easily recognized as being ready for harvest when it starts turning yellow on the bottom and the stem starts turning brown.
How Do You Grow Cantaloupe Seeds Indoors?
Here are the simplest steps for growing cantaloupe seeds indoors:
Sow seeds into sterile seed starting mix in large seedling pots or containers.
Plant 2-3 seeds in one place to ensure germination of at least one.
Water the seedlings evenly and keep them in a warm and sunny place.
For cloudy or extremely cold days, use supplementary growing light.
The best soil temperature is between 75 ° to 85 ° F.
If more than one seedling sprouts in one pot, cut everything except the strongest seedling in each cell with small cutters.
Do Cantaloupes Climb?
Cantaloupes are recognizable by their beautiful and long vines. Depending on the variety, they can climb to a height of anywhere from four to seven feet. The ability to climb is a great thing because by training the vines to climb a vertical structure, you can save a lot of space when you grow cantaloupe indoors.