Picking cantaloupes?
? This question is currently listed as unanswered. If you think you may be able to help with this question, leave Crystalwill2 a possible answer below.
I have heard to wait until to pick the cantaloupe until it falls off the vine when you touch it.
My first two have started splitting all around the outer shell so I picked it off the vine. It was perfectly ripe when I ate it, but I’d like to get them before the splitting stage. How do I know when they are ripe? Watermelons, too, while we are at it.
Want to comment?
Like to comment?
You need to sign up for a free account, or log in if you're already a member
Crystalwill2's cantaloupes progress journal
This entry is about Crystalwill2's cantaloupes that is currently in the first year farm garden.
Bear Creek NC, United States
Buzz buzz buzz!
Listen in on the Grapevine
Puu wrote:
in my (admittedly limited) experience, once the blossom end of the fruit will push in about a quarter inch with gentle pressure, a melon is pretty well ripe. that certainly varies depending on variety, though. another good indication is smell. if there’s a strong smell of delicious ripe melon, well, trust your nose. otherwise, I’ve had pretty good luck with the falling-off-the-vine test.
I’ve also had trouble with splitting, though. I don’t think it’s an issue of the fruit being too ripe. other fruits split because of stress, over-watering, growing too fast for the rind to keep up, &c, and generally not because they are overripe.
not a cut and dry answer for you, but I hope it was a little bit helpful. others will know more than I do.
Posted on 15 Jul 08 (about 4 months ago)