How to grow Rockmelon in New Zealand
Rockmelon, or cantaloupe, is the sweet, orange-fleshed melon with a netted skin, and homegrown fruit picked ripe off the vine tastes far better than anything in the shops. It needs plenty of heat, sun, excellent drainage and steady water, so it is easiest in the north and in hot inland summers. In cooler areas, grow an early variety under cover.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Rockmelon in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | October and November | |
| Auckland | October and November | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | October and November | |
| Central North Island | December | Marginal on the plateau. Grow under cover or on black plastic in the warmest spot. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | November and December | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November and December | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Not to be confused with: Watermelon and honeydew, its relatives. Rockmelon has netted skin and orange flesh, and slips easily from the vine when ripe.
Where to plant
Melons need masses of heat, excellent drainage and ample water through the season. Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil rich in compost. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound with gypsum in the bottom of the hole.
- Northland and Auckland: sow from October into the warmest spot, and choose early varieties to ripen before autumn cools.
- Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: plant from late October once the soil is warm.
- Central North Island: marginal on the plateau. Plant in December under cover or on black plastic in the warmest spot.
- Wellington, Nelson and Canterbury: plant in November and December in the warmest spot or a tunnel house.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: plant in December, preferably in a glasshouse or tunnel house.
Choosing a variety
- Hales Best is a reliable, sweet, orange-fleshed rockmelon.
- In cool districts, look for early-maturing varieties, which ripen before the autumn chill.
How to plant
- Sow seed in trays in warmth in early spring for a glasshouse crop, or mid spring for outdoor plants. Transplant after 3 to 4 weeks, once the seedlings have 3 or 4 true leaves.
- Or sow direct, pressing 3 or 4 seeds into mounds of moist, enriched soil about 1 m apart, and thin to the two or three strongest plants.
- Plant seedlings about 50 cm apart, no deeper than they were in the pot.
- Water in slowly and mulch around the plants.
Watering and feeding
Water deeply and slowly at the base, keeping the leaves dry to reduce mildew. Keep the soil moist while the fruit develops, then ease off watering a week or two before harvest, which concentrates the sweetness.
Feed every three weeks or so with a liquid fertiliser, with a monthly side dressing of general garden fertiliser.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinch out the growing tip at the fifth leaf to encourage side shoots, which carry the flowers. Later, pinch side shoots one or two leaves past a young fruit.
- Plant lavender, salvia or borage nearby to bring in bees for pollination.
- Sit developing fruit on a board or straw to keep it off damp soil.
Harvesting
Rockmelons are ripe when the skin turns from grey-green to a creamy tan under the netting, the fruit smells sweet, and the stem starts to crack and slip away from the fruit with a gentle push. The flavour improves if the fruit sits for a day or two after picking.
Growing in pots
Melons can be grown in a container at least 40 cm wide, filled with a container mix that holds moisture, in the warmest, sunniest spot. Water and feed often.
Companion planting
Rockmelons depend on bees, so flowering companions help most.
Good companions
- Sweet Corn Shares the warm summer bed.
- Nasturtium Brings in pollinators and draws aphids.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to rockmelon.
- Potato Competes for water and space in the same summer bed.
Pests and diseases
Powdery mildew and aphids are the main problems.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Small insects on shoot tips and under leaves. Spray in the evening if needed, to protect bees.
- Slugs and snails (slugs and snails) Seedlings eaten at soil level.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White, powdery patches on the leaves. Keep water off the foliage.
Common questions
When is a rockmelon ripe?
When the skin under the netting turns from grey-green to creamy tan, the fruit smells sweet, and the stem slips away easily from the fruit with a gentle push.
Can I grow rockmelons in the South Island?
Yes, but they need all the heat you can give them. Plant in December in a glasshouse or tunnel house, or on black plastic in the warmest spot, and choose an early variety.
Why are my rockmelons not sweet?
Usually a cool, cloudy season, too much water near harvest, or fruit picked too early. Reduce watering for a week or two before harvest and wait for the stem to slip.
Should I prune rockmelon vines?
Pinching the tip at the fifth leaf encourages fruiting side shoots, and pinching those side shoots just past a young fruit puts the plant's energy into ripening it.
Is rockmelon the same as cantaloupe?
Yes. Rockmelon is the usual name in New Zealand and Australia for the netted, orange-fleshed melon sold elsewhere as cantaloupe.
Sources we checked: Kings Plant Barn: Melons grow well guide; Yates NZ: How to grow melon.