The maximum storage time is usually 7-10 days. Melons Harvest Tips-Melons will not ripen off of the vine so it is important to when the fruit is fully developed. Cantaloupe will easily slip off the vine when ripe. For other melons, check the leaf at the same location as the fruit. When the leaf begins to yellow, the fruit is mature.
Some gardeners find that melons are ready to harvest when the blossom end of the fruit is soft.
In the case of watermelons, there is no surefire method to tell when the fruit is ripe. Some people determine ripeness by the browning of the tendril that is closest to the fruit while other people judge ripeness by the sound that is made when the watermelon is tapped. Storage Tips-Keeping melons cool and away from direct sunlight are the two key factors that increase the storage life. Another factor to keep in mind, melons are sensitive to frost damage so make sure that you do not store them in too cold of an environment. After about half the tops have fallen, push over the remainder and wait about 1 week.