Crop Information

Cantaloupe

There are over 7,500 farms harvesting cantaloupes on more than 100,000 acres in the United States. Of all the acreage, California is No. 1 and Arizona is No.2. The ideal climate for growing cantaloupe consists of a long, frost-free season with plenty of sunshine and heat, and relatively low humidity. Cantaloupe may be grown in nearly all areas of the United States, but the largest share of commercial production is located in somewhat arid regions--particularly in Arizona and California.

Cantaloupe production has been important to Arizona's vegetable industry. It is a crop well adapted to commercial production in the Yuma climate. Low rainfall and warm sunny days are basic to the production of quality melons. There is about 4,000 acres of cantaloupe grown in the County, with an expected yield of about 300 cartons per acre. Cantaloupes are the largest melon crop in Arizona. In recent years approximately 20% more acres have been planted to the spring crop than in the fall. Yields are lower for the fall crop, but the price is better. Arizona cantaloupes, particularly those grown in Yuma, not only have gained considerable favor in many eastern markets because of their high quality, but in any market they compete favorably with melons produced anywhere in the United States.

As in most crops, there are several varieties of seeds that may be grown, depending on soil conditions, time of year and desired results. Proper soil preparation can make the difference between a good or poor crop. For the spring planting in Yuma, high sloping beds are shaped to trap more heat and warm the plant, and to allow the proper drainage of irrigation water. Most furrows run East and West and the seeds are planted on the South side of the bed to take advantage of higher temperatures on that exposure. With proper irrigation and fertilizer habits, the plant will grow and bloom. Cantaloupes mature in 80 to 110 days after direct seeding. Sugar content is the principal measure of maturity and an important aspect of quality. Cantaloupes should have at least 10 percent soluble solids (sugar) for good dessert quality. High quality, crown-set fruit (the first melons on the vine to mature) may have a soluble solid content of 14 percent or higher. Sugar content does not increase once the melon has been removed from the vine.

The cantaloupe plant produces both male and female blossoms, and the female flowers produce the melons. Honeybees are used to pollinate the plants, and they can be found in nearly any melon field in the County. As this pollination is the only way to get the fruit to produce, an overabundance of beehives are visible around these fields. There are a large number of insects and diseases that have to be carefully watched for during the growing process. Each year may demand different chemical applications to insure the plants survival to harvest.

Harvesting may begin in late May, but usually during June and into July. Fields are usually picked every 2nd or 3rd day for the first 2 or 3 pickings and every day for the next 10 to 15 days, depending on condition of the vines, number of melons, time of year, and market demand. Most cantaloupes are now field packed by the harvest crews, trucked to cool storage, and ready for shipment when they leave the field.

**The actual land cost is dependent upon the economic position in the land, whether or not there is any debt to be serviced and/or if the land is owned or leased.

The actual cost of fertilizer and chemicals is dependent on the conditions of the field at the time of planting and growing.

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