KC Gardens

Q&A

The eternal question seems to be: why is it that some cantaloupe are sweet and good, while others are sour and not good, even they are grown in the same soil, same site, and often even on the same vine??? - Patt -

Comments

1. 

   Dennis Patton

   9 months, 1 week ago

   This is a great question with a less than simple answer. The short answer for this year is the heat and drought. High temperatures cause the development of flavor compounds that are not as tasteful. In the KC area the summer temperatures not only effect cantaloupes but also watermelons, cucumbers and some squash. Why some and not the others? It could have to do with a narrow window of conditions when the fruit is pollinated and starts to develop.

   I don’t have a great way to prevent this except follow good gardening practices and hope for the best.

   Dennis - Johnson County Extension

Sign in with Facebook to comment.