How to Grow and Care for Candy Cantaloupe

The Candy Cantaloupe is a modern melon variety that has gained a reputation for its exceptional sweetness. Developed for its desirable taste and growing characteristics, it offers a different experience compared to traditional cantaloupes, making it a unique option for those seeking a particularly sweet melon.

Candy Cantaloupe Characteristics

The Orange Candy melon, a type of Amarillo melon developed in Spain, is distinguished by its intensely sweet, orange flesh and a flavor compared to nashi pears. Unlike the heavily netted rind of a typical North American cantaloupe, it has a thin, semi-smooth rind with minimal netting. This characteristic is also considered more hygienic as it may harbor less bacteria.

Compared to a standard cantaloupe, its flavor profile is less musky and more straightforwardly sweet. Its flesh is often described as both juicy and crisp, providing a refreshing texture. This variety was developed by the international seed developer Seminis and was bred for beneficial traits, including a lower tendency for the fruit to crack in the field.

How to Grow Candy Cantaloupe

Successfully growing Candy Cantaloupe begins with a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is beneficial to work compost into the top several inches of soil to improve its fertility and structure.

Planting can be done from seed or with transplants. If starting from seed, sow them directly into the garden once the soil temperature has reached at least 65°F. Plant seeds one to two inches deep in small mounds spaced about four feet apart. Once seedlings have a couple of leaves, thin them to the two strongest plants per mound.

Consistent watering is important, especially as the vines are growing and fruit is developing. The plants need one to two inches of water per week, delivered through deep soakings to encourage strong root growth. As melons approach maturity, reducing water helps concentrate the sugars for a sweeter flavor. A side dressing of nitrogen fertilizer can be applied after vines develop runners. The time from planting to harvest is approximately 60 to 70 days.

Harvesting for Peak Sweetness

Correctly timing the harvest is necessary to enjoy the full, sweet flavor of the Candy Cantaloupe. A primary indicator of ripeness is the “full slip” stage, which means the melon detaches from the vine with a gentle tug. If you have to pull hard, the melon is not yet ready, as they do not sweeten after being picked.

Another reliable sign of ripeness is a change in the rind’s color. The background color of the rind will transition from a greenish hue to a creamy yellow or tan color as the melon matures. The netting on the melon’s surface will also become more pronounced.

A strong, sweet, and pleasant aroma at the blossom end—the end opposite from where the stem was attached—is another classic sign of a ripe cantaloupe. If you lift the melon and smell this end, the fragrance should be noticeably sweet and fruity.

Common Growing Problems

A frequent issue when growing cantaloupes is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems, and it thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation. To help prevent it, ensure plants are spaced properly for good airflow or grow them on a trellis. Planting resistant varieties, like the Candy Cantaloupe, also significantly reduces the risk.

Cucumber beetles are another common pest that can damage cantaloupe plants. These beetles feed on the leaves and stems and can transmit bacterial wilt, a disease that causes the vines to wilt and die. Controlling the beetles as soon as they appear is the most effective way to prevent this disease. An infected plant cannot be saved and should be removed from the garden.