The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) is a celebrated heirloom melon variety prized for its smooth green flesh, netted rind, and intense sweetness. Originally grown in the Rocky Ford region of Colorado, this melon is renowned for its rich aroma and refreshing flavor, making it a garden favorite for generations.
This variety produces round to oval fruits with dense, juicy flesh and a distinctive musky fragrance. It thrives in warm, sunny climates and offers high yields of premium-quality melons perfect for fresh eating, salads, or smoothies.
Features
- Sweet Green Flesh: Delicious, juicy interior with a fragrant aroma.
- Heirloom Quality: Trusted Rocky Ford variety known for flavor and reliability.
- High Yield: Produces multiple melons per vine under warm conditions.
- Heat Tolerant: Excellent for summer gardens in full sun.
- Perfect for Home Growers: Great for raised beds, containers, or field planting.
Specifications
- Common Name: Rocky Ford Cantaloupe / Green-Flesh Melon
- Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
- Plant Type: Annual fruiting vine
- USDA Zones: 4 – 10 (warm-season crop)
- Mature Height: Vine 1–2 ft tall; spreads 6–10 ft
- Fruit Size: 3–4 lbs average per melon
- Light Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil Type: Well-draining sandy loam
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
- Watering: Moderate; water deeply once or twice weekly
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Days to Maturity: 85–95 days
- GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
- Growth Habit: Vining / Sprawling
- Fruit Color: Green flesh with tan netted rind
- Origin: Rocky Ford, Colorado, USA
Planting Guide
- Seed Preparation: No pre-soaking needed; use fresh, viable seeds.
- Sowing Depth: ½ inch deep in warm soil (70–90°F).
- Germination Time: 7–10 days.
- Spacing: Plant 3–4 seeds per hill, spaced 3–4 ft apart.
- Light: Full sunlight for best fruit quality.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until vines establish, then water deeply once a week.
- Pollination: Encourage bees for better fruit set.
- Harvest: Pick melons when rind turns tan and fruit easily slips from the stem.