How To Prune Cantaloupe Vines: Is Cutting Back Cantaloupes Effective
Cantaloupes, or muskmelon, are sun-loving cucurbits that are suited to USDA zones 3-9 with a vining habit that will rapidly overtake an area. Because of their somewhat insatiable spread, you might be wondering if you should prune cantaloupe. Cutting back cantaloupe plants is generally not necessary, although pruning cantaloupe plants does have some benefits.
Want to learn how to prune cantaloupe vines? Read on to learn how to prune a cantaloupe plant.
Should you Prune Cantaloupe?
As mentioned, pruning cantaloupe plants isn’t absolutely necessary and, in fact, the more leaves that remain on the vine the sweeter the fruit. That said, cutting back cantaloupe plants results in fewer fruit which enables the plant to put all of its energy into a scant few, resulting in larger melons.
Another reason to prune cantaloupe vines is to make them easier to trellis, either using a net trellis or string and vine clips.
To prune or not to prune is really up to you. If you wish to grow sizable melons, you should prune cantaloupe vines. If you would rather have many smaller melons, skip the pruning.
How to Prune a Cantaloupe Plant
Like their relatives, watermelon, squash, and cucumber, cantaloupe plants like full sun, and sandy, well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. When the plants are provided all of the above, you should see a successful fruit set. You must then decide about pruning the cantaloupe plants.
If you decide to opt for larger melons, the question is how to prune a cantaloupe plant. Melons produce a primary stem with many secondary or lateral branches. When pruning cantaloupe plants, the idea is to retain the primary vine, remove the first lateral and reduce the size of all the additional secondary branches.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Using pruning shears, cut lateral vines that grow from the primary up to the eighth leaf node. Take care not to damage the main stem when cutting back the cantaloupe plants. Leave 1-2 lateral vines untouched. Once the melons begin to form, remove all but a single fruit per vine.
Continue to check the vines for forming melons. When a melon is nearing ripeness, leave another melon on the vine to mature.
As the plant grows, remove any disfigured or damaged fruit and allow the healthiest fruit to grow. Also, remove any damaged vines. In this manner, only prime fruit is left to ripen and the previous cutting back of the cantaloupe plants will allow the fruit to attain maximum size.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
4 Winter Composting Shortcuts To Fill Garden Beds In Time For Spring Planting
Discover quick, clever winter composting techniques to prep your garden beds and pots for spring planting. Reduce waste, enrich soil, and save time.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Foraging Flowers: How To Forage Floral Plants – And Which Flowers You Can Pick For Free Edibles!
It’s fun to forage flowers, but it’s important to know the rules. Avoid areas that have been sprayed, beware of imposters and take only what you need.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Athena Melon Fruit: What Is An Athena Melon Plant
Athena melon fruit are cantaloupe hybrids prized for their consistent early yields as well as for their ability to store and ship well. Interested in growing Athena melons? Click the following article to learn about the growing and care of Athena melons.
By Amy Grant
-
Cantaloupe On A Trellis: How To Grow Cantaloupes Vertically
Trellised cantaloupes utilize a much smaller portion of the garden, allowing even those with limited space to grow their own. Intrigued? Click on the following article to find out how to grow cantaloupes vertically and other information.
By Amy Grant
-
Container Grown Cantaloupe: Care Of Cantaloupe In Pots
Can I grow cantaloupes in a container garden? This is a common question, and space-challenged melon lovers are happy to learn that the answer is a resounding yes, you can grow cantaloupe in pots with proper growing conditions. Click here for more info.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
How & When To Pick Cantaloupe For Perfectly Ripe Melons
Knowing the right time to pick a cantaloupe can mean the difference between a good crop and a bad one. Follow the tips in this article to harvest the best cantaloupe fruits possible.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Planting Cantaloupe - How To Grow Cantaloupe Melons
The cantaloupe plant, also known as muskmelon, is a popular melon that is commonly grown in many gardens. Learning how to grow them successfully is easy using the following information.
By Nikki Tilley