When is the best time to prune cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe pruning

When adjusting the cantaloupe, the first thing to note is that the purpose is to allow its leaves to grow, but at the same time to cultivate relatively strong flowers. The number of side branches of the cantaloupe is very large, so pruning is required.

Cantaloupe pruning time

It is reported that cantaloupe should be pruned when the leaf area coefficient in the field is relatively large in the middle and late stages of growth. Cantaloupe bears fruit once a year, so pruning only needs to be done once a year.

Muskmelon cutting propagation

By the end of May, the melon seedlings planted in March have begun to bloom and bear fruit. If you want to produce more melons and good quality, pruning is essential. You can propagate them by pruning in the spring.

How to prune cantaloupe

1. Single vine pruning

   When pinching single-vine cantaloupe, it is necessary to pinch around the 5th node of the main vine. If the branches and leaves on the upper part of the single vine are dense, pinching and pruning can be carried out according to the number of melons. However, this method is only used in dense planting.

2. Double vine pruning

   The illustrated instructions for cantaloupe pinching and pruning also include double vine pruning. Pinch off the heart when the main vine has three pairs of leaves. Only two branches are retained at 15 cm of the height of the sub-vine. Prune all the rest. Then pinch off the two remaining sub-vines at 40 cm or about the 8th node. When the flowers bloom, pinch off the two pairs of leaves in front of the flowers.

3. Three-vine pruning

   Three-vine pinching and pruning is a common method. Pinch the main vine at 4 pairs of leaves, retain the 3 most vigorous sub-vines, and then trim all the remaining sub-vines. Each sub-vine can be pinched and pruned at the 6th to 8th pair of leaves. This will allow the melon to grow better and mature earlier.

4. Four-vine pruning

   The four-vine pruning method is suitable for planting forms without hanging vines. It is necessary to pinch the 5 pairs of leaves on the main vine. Only 4 sub-vines need to be left on each main vine. Pinch the 4 pairs of leaves on each sub-vine and retain one melon. After pruning is completed, apply 75% thiophanate-methyl to the wound to prevent viral and bacterial infection.

Notes on cantaloupe pruning

When pruning cantaloupe, you should choose the appropriate pruning method according to the variety and planting method of the cantaloupe. Pruning cantaloupe is generally done after ten o'clock in the morning. At this time, the branches of the melon are relatively soft, and there is no need to worry about breaking the branches when pruning. After ten o'clock, there is sufficient sunlight and high temperature, which is conducive to the healing of the melon branches. Do not prune in rainy weather.