Hybrid

Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 'Burpee Hybrid'

A reliable and productive hybrid cantaloupe that consistently delivers sweet, aromatic melons even in challenging growing conditions. This variety was specifically bred for home gardeners, offering excellent disease resistance and uniform fruit production. The thick, sweet orange flesh and classic netted rind make it a standout choice for beginners and experienced growers alike.

Harvest

80-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

KOO-koo-mis MEL-oh

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-9 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing36-60 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile sandy loam with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, deep watering at soil level

SeasonWarm season

FlavorSweet and aromatic with classic cantaloupe flavor and smooth texture

ColorOrange flesh with tan netted rind

Size3-4 pounds

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	May – May	June – July	June – August	September – October
Zone 4	April – May	June – June	June – July	September – October
Zone 5	April – April	May – June	May – July	September – October
Zone 6	April – April	May – June	May – July	August – October
Zone 7	March – April	May – May	May – June	August – September
Zone 8	March – March	April – May	April – June	July – September
Zone 9	February – February	March – April	March – May	June – August
Zone 10	January – February	March – March	March – April	June – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: KOO-koo-mis MEL-oh. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 9 ft. 0 in., Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 9 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Musky-scented, spherical to oblong berry with a rind (pepo), often furrowed with yellow, white or green flesh and many seeds. The rind may be green, yellow, tan, beige or white and the surface may be smooth, rough, warty, scaly, or netted. Seeds white, about 1/2 inch long, narrow. Seeds ripen in August and September.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, White. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Eaten fresh, wrapped in prosciutto, in salads, or as a dessert. Watery, but delicate, flavor. Avoid the seeds as the sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe keeps best at room temperature for 2-3 days to complete ripening, then refrigerate for up to one week. Store cut pieces in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum. The ideal storage temperature is 36-40°F with 95% humidity.

For preservation, freeze cubed cantaloupe on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 8 months - perfect for smoothies though texture changes make it unsuitable for fresh eating. Dehydrate thin slices at 135°F for 8-12 hours to create concentrated fruit leather or dried snacks. You can also preserve cantaloupe in light syrup using a water bath canning method, though the texture becomes soft and is best used for dessert applications. Cantaloupe makes excellent jam when combined with lemon juice and pectin.

History & Origin

Origin: Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India, Australia

Advantages

+Edible: Eaten fresh, wrapped in prosciutto, in salads, or as a dessert. Watery, but delicate, flavor. Avoid the seeds as the sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles while potentially enhancing flavor

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, deters squash bugs

Radishes

Repels cucumber beetles and squash borers, matures quickly without competing

Marigolds

Deters nematodes, aphids, and cucumber beetles with natural compounds

Sunflowers

Provides beneficial shade and attracts pollinators essential for melon fruit set

Bush Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding melons

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Corn

Provides natural windbreak and vertical space utilization without root competition

Keep Apart

Cucumbers

Shares same pests and diseases, increases risk of bacterial wilt and cucumber beetles

Aromatic Herbs (Sage)

Strong oils can inhibit melon growth and development

Potatoes

Competes for nutrients and space, different watering needs can stress melons

Nutrition Facts

Calories

34kcal(2%)

Protein

0.84g(2%)

Fiber

0.9g(3%)

Carbs

8.16g(3%)

Fat

0.19g(0%)

Vitamin C

36.7mg(41%)

Vitamin A

169mcg(19%)

Vitamin K

2.5mcg(2%)

Iron

0.21mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

267mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169092)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to fusarium wilt and powdery mildew

Common Pests

Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial wilt, downy mildew, anthracnose, powdery mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe take to grow from seed?▼

Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe takes 80-85 days from seed to harvest. If you start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting, your total growing time is about 105-110 days from initial seeding. Direct sown seeds in warm soil will be ready to harvest in exactly 80-85 days under optimal conditions.

Can you grow Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe in containers?▼

Yes, but you'll need a very large container - at least 20 gallons with excellent drainage. Use a trellis system to train vines vertically and support developing fruits with fabric slings. Container growing requires more frequent watering and feeding, but limits the sprawling vine growth that can overwhelm small gardens.

Is Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. This variety was specifically bred for home gardeners and offers excellent disease resistance, reliable fruit production, and forgives minor growing mistakes better than most cantaloupe varieties. The clear harvest indicators make it easy to know when melons are perfectly ripe.

What does Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe taste like?▼

Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe delivers classic sweet cantaloupe flavor with aromatic, orange flesh and smooth texture. The sweetness is well-balanced without being cloying, and the flesh is juicy but firm enough to hold its shape in fruit salads. Flavor intensity peaks when fruits are harvested fully ripe.

When should I plant Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date, or direct sow outside when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently. In most areas, this means indoor starting in mid-April and outdoor planting from mid-May through early June, depending on your growing zone.

How much space does Burpee Hybrid Cantaloupe need?▼

Allow 3 feet between plants and 6 feet between rows for optimal air circulation and growth. Each plant's vines will spread 4-6 feet in all directions. You can use vertical trellising to save horizontal space, but will need to support developing fruits as they grow.