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(Best months for planting Rockmelon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

• Harvest in 75-115 days
• Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
• Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 32°C.
• Space plants: 40-60cm

Start in small pots then transplant when no danger of frosts. Plant into a raised mound to provide good drainage and warmth. Frost tender, needs protection in cold climates. Provide plenty of water.

Ready to use when the fruit falls from the vine

In the United Kingdom start the seeds in a heated greenhouse with plenty of light.

Rockmelons may need hand pollination with a soft brush.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rockmelon

Cut in half and scoop out and discard the seeds.
Sprinkle with some ground ginger or serve plain.

Your comments and tips

20 Sep 09 Rebecca (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Has anyone had any luck getting Rockmelons to fruit in Rotorua?

13 Dec 09 nigel (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

put some flowers nearby to attract bees which should pollinate theflowers on the melon

29 Dec 09 kay Lucas (New Zealand - temperate climate)

we are looking after our daughters garden while she is on away on holiday.Her rock melons, planted in glasshouse, are healthy with some fruit set,lower down but many newer flowers falling off. One plant has 4 stems is this the problem or simply no bees.

26 Jan 10 Charlotte (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

To Lucas Rockmelon in greenhouse will not get pollinated as there (im assuming) will be no bees or insects flying about to do the job. You could hand pollinate them

15 Mar 10 Ken (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

Growing hydroponic rockmelon in Central Otago, they are thriving, should still have friut ripening in April

11 Jan 11 Ann Taylor (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

I have a rockmelon in the glasshouse - plenty of flowers but no fruit , same as last year. In Central Otago. How do you hand pollinate? From flower to flower?

10 Mar 11 Sam Swainstone (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

I have just had success with Rockmelon outdoors in Picton, Marlborough, only one melon per plant but planted in un prepared non fertilsed soil , took seeds for next year and will prepare soil next year and see if I get more fruit

12 Oct 11 tony (New Zealand - temperate climate)

you dont need bees to pollinate the flowers ther are male and female flowers on the same plant the female has a bulb under the flower males dont simply pick the male flower and rub the pollin on female flower an ther you have it. every female flower can turn into fruit if you no the trick

15 Jan 12 Kat (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I have a rockmelon plant that is currently running away, is it ok to trim off the excess and will that force its growing energy into fruiting?

19 Jan 12 Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Kat, you could take off the main growing tip to encourage side shoots and more flowers.