Melon
Cucumis melo
Growing melons outdoors in the UK is a challenge but deeply rewarding when you slice into a sun-warmed, fragrant fruit from your own patch. Modern F1 varieties bred for cool climates have made this far more achievable. Sow indoors in April in 9cm pots at 20°C, then pot on into 20cm pots. Plant out in June into a polytunnel, greenhouse, or a very warm, sheltered south-facing bed under a cloche. Melons need rich soil, consistent warmth, and high humidity. Pinch out the growing tip when it reaches 4 leaves, then train the side shoots along the ground or up supports. Feed with high-potash liquid feed weekly once fruit sets. Harvest when the stem cracks and the fruit smells fragrant.
Plan where to grow Melon using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Melon
Sow melon in March, April.
Time to Harvest Melon
Expect to harvest approximately 4 months after sowing, usually from August to September.
Companion Plants for Melon
- Sweet Basil
Basil enjoys the same warm, sheltered conditions as melons under cover.
- French Marigold
French marigolds attract hoverflies and are traditionally grown in greenhouses to help deter whitefly.
- Nasturtium
Nasturtiums can draw aphids away from melons and their flowers bring in pollinators.
Expected Yield
One plant yields 2–4 melons in a good summer under cover.
Pruning Melon
Pinch out the main shoot after five leaves, then stop sideshoots two leaves beyond each developing fruit, keeping three or four fruits per plant.
Common Problems with Melon
Fruits fail to ripen or stay small
Melons need sustained heat. Grow under cover, keep the soil moist, and feed weekly with tomato fertiliser once fruit sets.
Powdery mildew on leaves
Improve ventilation, water at the base, and remove affected leaves. Resistant varieties are available for humid greenhouses.
Fruit rots on the soil
Place a tile, straw, or piece of wood under each developing melon to keep it off damp soil and improve air circulation.
Melon: common questions
When should I sow melon in the UK?
Sow melon from March to April. Sow under cover (a greenhouse, windowsill or heated propagator) and plant out once the weather has warmed.
How far apart should I plant melon?
Space melon about 60cm apart. It grows to around 30cm tall. Sow seeds 2cm deep.
How long does melon take to germinate?
Melon seeds usually germinate in 7–10 days at 20°C, depending on temperature.
When is melon ready to harvest?
In the UK, melon is usually harvested from August to September. It's ready about 4 months after sowing.
Does melon come back every year?
No. Melon is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
When should I prune melon?
Pinch out the main shoot after five leaves, then stop sideshoots two leaves beyond each developing fruit, keeping three or four fruits per plant.
What grows well with melon?
Good companions for melon include Sweet Basil, French Marigold and Nasturtium. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is melon frost hardy?
No. Melon is tender and is damaged by frost, so keep it under cover until all risk of frost has passed and bring it in, or grow it under glass, when nights turn cold.
What crop rotation group is melon in?
Melon belongs in the cucurbits group for crop rotation. Grow it in a different bed each year, alongside other cucurbits, so pests and diseases don't build up in the soil.
Plan your melon in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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