When to Harvest Melons Harvest smooth-skinned muskmelons—which include honeydew, Crenshaw, and casaba–when they turn cream colored. The blossom end will give slightly when pressed, and the fruit will readily separate from the stem. Harvest net-skinned cantaloupe when the rind netting changes from gray-green to creamy and the background turns golden. The fruit will have…
Cantaloupe
How to Grow Melons
The cantaloupe or muskmelon is a tender, warm-weather plant. Cantaloupes grow best in very warm to hot weather. Sow cantaloupe (muskmelon) seed in the garden or set out transplants 3 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date in spring. Start cantaloupe seed indoors about 6 weeks before transplanting seedlings into the garden. Start…