Rockmelon Planters Jumbo Seeds

ROCKMELON ‘Planters Jumbo’ Seeds

Botanical Name: Cucumis melo

Important Notice: These seeds have been treated with a fungicide (Thiram). Do not consume the seeds or feed them to animals. Fungicide treatment is a requirement under AQIS regulations for certain seed varieties. This treatment does not affect the growth of your crops or pose a risk to beneficial insects like bees. We make every effort to source untreated seed stock whenever possible; however, availability in Australia is extremely limited.

• Developed to grow in hot humid climates and is resistant to Powdery and Downy Mildew.
• Fruit are 17cm x 15cm and average 1.5 to 2 kg
• Have a firm rind with light ribbing and a smooth heavy net.
• A prolific rockmelon variety producing large, round fruits with sweet, deep orange flesh.
• Features a heavily netted tan skin and firm texture, perfect for slicing and enjoying fresh.
• Compact, semi-bush growth habit makes it well suited for raised beds, containers, or smaller gardens.
• Ideal for fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies, and summer desserts.
• Thrives in warm, sunny locations—plant only after the risk of frost has passed for vigorous growth.
• A great choice for gardeners seeking big, flavourful melons in a more space-efficient plant.

Plant Details:

• Plant Type: Annual semi-bush vine, more compact than traditional rockmelon varieties

Sowing Information:

• Sow When:
  • Temperate: October – December
  • Subtropical: September – November
  • Tropical: August – October
  • Cool: Not recommended
  • Arid: September – November
• Germination: 7 – 10 days
• Germination Temperature: 22 – 30 °C
• Depth: Sow seeds 2 – 3 cm deep
• Position: Full sun
• Sow Where: Direct sow into prepared garden beds or large pots
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil, pH 6 – 7.5
• Spacing: 60 – 90 cm between plants, 120 cm between rows

Details:

• Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Mulch well to retain moisture and reduce weed growth around plants.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser early on, switching to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser once flowering begins to promote larger fruit.
• Water at the base to help prevent fungal issues on leaves.
• Rotate crops annually to reduce build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.
• Use straw or cardboard under ripening melons to prevent rot and keep fruit clean.
• Due to its semi-bush habit, plants remain more contained than traditional trailing varieties, making them easier to manage in smaller spaces.

Harvest:

Approximately 80 – 95 days after sowing, when fruits develop a sweet fragrance, the skin turns golden-tan, and the stem slips easily from the fruit.