The ideal climate for growing cantaloupe consists of a long, frost-free season with plenty of sunshine and heat, and relatively low humidity. Production is relatively more concentrated in arid areas than for certain other melons, such as watermelons, because cantaloupes are more susceptible to fungal diseases. Both open-pollinated and hybrid varieties are planted across the United States. Open-pollinated seed is less expensive than hybrid seed, but more hybrid varieties are being planted because they tend to be sweeter and firmer, and to show increased plant vigor and higher yields. Cantaloupes mature in 80 to 110 days after direct seeding.
Sugar content is the principal measure of maturity and an important aspect of quality.
Sugar content does not increase once the melon has been removed from the vine. Full slip is the condition in which an abscission layer has formed between the stem and the melon that allows the whole stem to separate cleanly from the melon with a slight tug. In addition to sugar content, growers may consider market prices, weather conditions, anticipated yields, and distance to the market in deciding when to harvest. Among production perils, excessive rain is identified as the most serious peril in south Texas and in the eastern and midwestern cantaloupe-producing areas. Excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive cloudiness, hail, drought, and high winds may also cause yield losses.