Are bees necessary for pollination and fruit set in home- grown cantaloupes?
A. Although cantaloupes produce some perfect flowers (those that contain male and female parts) which can set fruit without pollen from a male flower, an adequate supply of bees during bloom will insure an abundant cantaloupe harvest. Most problems with fruit set in cantaloupes are caused by a lack of pollinating insects during the blooming period. Q. Can cantaloupes cross-pollinate with other crops such as cucumbers, watermelons, squash or pumpkins? A. Crossing between members of the curcurbit family is rare. If crossing occurs, it will not show up in this year’s fruit but will be evident if seed is saved from these fruits to plant in next year’s garden. Many people rate off-flavored or strange- colored fruit with cross-pollination, but it is usually caused by environmental conditions or disease. Q. What is the best way to determine when a cantaloupe is ready for harvest? A. The cantaloupe is ready to harvest when the stem easily separates from the fruit. To avoid over-ripening, harve
