Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family
melon
Cucumis melo
In short a 10-second read
Melon (vegetable) grows to 1.8–2.7 m tall and 0.3–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in April–May.
× spread 0.3–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
pinch out the tips (May–June)
Sowing
sow indoors: April–May
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow melon?
In April–May (sow indoors).
Does melon tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does melon need?
At maturity 0.3–0.9 m wide and 1.8–2.7 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 6 expert sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (6)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Cucumis melo
- Wikidata (CC0) — Cucumis melo
- EPPO Global Database — Cucumis melo
- RHS: Melons – Grow Your Own
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, EASIN
