Growing, Ripening, and Harvesting Muskmelon Varieties in India: What Are the Options?
Muskmelon, often referred to as cantaloupe, is a luscious fruit belonging to the Cucumis melo species. Known for its sweet taste and high water content, this fruit is a popular choice during the scorching summer heatwaves. With a hard exterior and netted covering, it conceals a soft, juicy inner portion. on average, a muskmelon can weigh anywhere from 1 to 2 kg. Muskmelons come in various colors, including orange, white, and green.
In terms of competition, melon farming sees less rivalry, giving farmers a decent return on investment. The crop usually matures within 50-80 days, providing a quick profit for the farmers.
Planting Muskmelon Seeds
Being a summer fruit, you'll want to sow muskmelon seeds earlier. Ideal sowing times vary by region:
- In North India, the prime sowing period typically spans from December to March, with mid-February being the most ideal.
- In the Southern and Central parts of India, muskmelon seeds are often sown between October and November.
- For beginners, the February-March period is recommended, while experienced farmers can consider early sowing in November.
Cultivation and Farming Methods
Growing muskmelon requires the use of drip, mulching, and the bed method. Although some farmers shy away from farming muskmelon due to the fear of fruit fly disease, it can be controlled with proper management.
Regarding soil and weather, muskmelon can thrive in various soil types, be it sandy or loamy. Planting it during the wheat harvesting season ensures the crop is ready before the rains begin.
Field Preparation
For efficient water and nutrient use, consider the drip and mulching system when preparing the field. If drip and mulching are impractical, traditional farming methods can still be employed. Maintain a distance of 6-8 feet between plant beds or drains.
Muskmelon Seed Varieties
Numerous muskmelon seed varieties are available, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular options include:
- Hara Madhu, Punjab Sunehri, Kajri, Guru, Kundan, Muskan, Khushboo, Mishri, and Pusa Sharbati. Various brands offer muskmelon seeds, each with their pros and cons.
Ripening and Harvest
Muskmelon typically takes about 60 days to ripen, although ripening time varies depending on seed types. Most melons start ripening in April and May. Melons that ripen in May tend to have a sweeter, more natural taste. However, some farmers resort to using fruit ripening drugs (ethylene and calcium carbide) to artificially ripen fruits for an earlier profit.
Harvesting
When the muskmelon's outer covering turns from green to light yellow, it signals that the fruit is ready for harvest. Picking ripe muskmelons requires ample manpower, as farmers have to manually find and collect every fruit ready for the market, as there may still be unripe, green muskmelons in the field.
Melons are often packed in net bags before being sold at the market. The market price of melons varies yearly. In 2025, the price ranged from ₹10 to ₹14 per kilogram. Melons are typically harvested daily or every two days.
Some enrichment insights:
- Gold Melody F1 Hybrid and Punjab Amrit are popular muskmelon varieties in northern and southern India, known for their high sugar content and suitability for long-distance transportation.
- Kajari is a suitable variety for sowings in January-February or November-December, with spacing requirements of 60-90 cm plant to plant and 180-240 cm row to row.
- Challenges in muskmelon cultivation include Fusarium wilt, climate change, and high seed costs, especially for hybrid seeds like Babi and Muskan.
Incorporating muskmelon cultivation into a home-and-garden lifestyle can be a delightful addition, especially for food-and-drink enthusiasts. Gardening during the winter months in North India, specifically from December to March, presents an ideal opportunity to sow muskmelon seeds, allowing them to mature by the time the warm weather arrives. The crop's popularity in various regions, like the drip, mulching, and bed methods employed in farming, attests to the versatility and adaptability of this luscious fruit in a lifestyle that nurtures biological growth.
