Fruitless cantaloupe - Ask Extension
I planted cantaloupe and have vines growing every where and all kinds of blooms. They were planted the same time as my tomatoes yet there is no fruit ...
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Fruitless cantaloupe #664876
Asked July 16, 2020, 11:25 AM EDT
I planted cantaloupe and have vines growing every where and all kinds of blooms. They were planted the same time as my tomatoes yet there is no fruit anywhere. Should I wait longer or pull them up?
Franklin County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Good morning and thanks for thinking of Ask an Expert.
Cantaloupes have both male and female blossoms on the same plant. When cantaloupes first bloom they produce mostly male blossoms. The female ones come later, but times of stress such as drought or excessive heat can cause the female blossoms to be delayed a bit. I suggest giving them a bit more time.
If you already have both male and female blossoms but are not getting fruit set, you can try pollinating by hand. See this link:
Of course you'll have to be able to tell the males from the females. The male will have a pollen covered stalk, called a stamen, sticking up in the center of the flower. Female flowers are actually attached to a small immature melon.
I hope this helps, and once again thanks for your question.
