Alvaro

Cantaloupe

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Vine

Sun-warmed and irresistibly fragrant, Alvaro cantaloupe delivers a honey-sweet, aromatic flavor with a lush, tender bite. The fle…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jun 1st
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Sep 7th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Chameleon Nasturtium

Peach Melba Nasturtium

Lemon Gem Marigold

Alaska Mix Nasturtium

African Marigold Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle tomato hornworm or early blight on Alvaro plants?

Watch for tomato hornworms by checking leaves and stems at dusk; hand-pick the large green worms and destroy them. For early blight, remove infected lower leaves (brown, target-like spots), improve airflow by spacing plants for full sun, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If it keeps spreading, spray an appropriate labeled fungicide for tomatoes following the product directions.

How often should I water Alvaro during the main growing phase (after seedlings establish)?

Water Alvaro deeply so the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out between waterings—typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and container vs. ground soil. Aim for steady moisture during fruit set and growth to prevent cracking and blossom-end rot; use a drip line or soaker to keep leaves dry. If you’re seeing dull, drooping plants in the afternoon, increase watering frequency slightly rather than giving small daily sips.

How can I tell when Alvaro is ready to harvest at about 70 days?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and are fully colored for the variety (no green shoulders) and the skin is glossy. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the vine; mature fruit should detach with minimal force. If the first fruits are coloring early, start harvesting regularly—this helps the plant focus energy on the remaining fruit.

Sun-warmed and irresistibly fragrant, Alvaro cantaloupe delivers a honey-sweet, aromatic flavor with a lush, tender bite. The flesh is richly orange and juicy, ideal for savoring at peak ripeness, while its balanced sweetness shines in fresh preparations and preserves. Grow Alvaro for a dependable 70-day season and a cantaloupe you’ll look forward to harvesting again and again.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For this earlier, Charentais-type cantaloupe, use black plastic or row cover to warm soil quickly and keep vines evenly watered to prevent flavor dilution.