Iroquois Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo 

Seeds per pack ~ 25

Germination 93% Sept 2024  Packed for 2025

Cantaloupe Growing Tips:

Plant cantaloupe after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Cantaloupe thrives in full sunlight. Provide plenty of space for vines to spread. Typically, plant seeds or seedlings about 36-48 inches apart.

Soil Preparation: Use sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to ensure good nutrient availability.

Watering:  Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.

Fertilization:  Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when planting. Once fruits begin to develop, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium, and phosphorus fertilizer to encourage fruit growth. Cantaloupe requires pollination for fruit development. Attract pollinators like bees by planting nearby flowers or manually pollinate if needed.

Pest and Disease Management:  Watch for aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Prevent powdery mildew and fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting: The fruit is ready to harvest when the stem begins to crack near the fruit and the rind changes to a tan or yellowish color. A ripe cantaloupe will have a sweet fragrance near the stem end.

Trellising for Cantaloupe:

Trellising can save space, improve air circulation, and keep fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of pests and disease. Use a sturdy trellis, fence, or A-frame structure capable of holding the weight of mature cantaloupes. Materials like wood, metal, or a strong garden net work well.

Training the Vines: As the vines grow, gently tie them to the trellis with soft garden ties or strips of fabric. Be careful not to damage the stems. Once the fruits start forming, support their weight using slings made of cloth, mesh, or pantyhose tied to the trellis. This prevents the fruit from pulling the vine down or falling prematurely.

Companion Planting for Cantaloupe

Companion plants can help deter pests, improve pollination, and enrich the soil around cantaloupe. Good companions include; Nasturtiums: Repel aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting beneficial insects. Marigolds: Discourage nematodes and other pests. Radishes: Planted nearby, they can deter squash borers. Bush Beans: Improve soil nitrogen levels, benefiting cantaloupe growth. Basil: Repels aphids and improves the flavor of cantaloupe. Dill: Attracts pollinators and predatory insects like ladybugs.

It bears mentioning, first off, that this is not a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) heirloom variety. It was bred by the Dr. Henry Munger of Cornell University (as part of his doctoral thesis) and released in 1944 as the first fusarium-wilt-resistant muskmelon. We can only assume he named it Iroquois in honor of the indigenous people on whose land Cornell University is located. Dr. Munger went on to a prolific career as a plant breeder, introducing dozens of new varieties over 50 years of activity. He is remembered particularly for his contributions to carrot and cucumber breeding (the great 'Marketmore 76' is his), and much of his work is still growing on farms across the US.