Cantaloupe

Cucumis melo L.

Warm-season annual

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Only some parts are edible

Edible parts

fruit

Hazardous parts

seeds (the source's reason concerns the sprouting seed)

Preparation

NC State: eaten fresh, in salads or as a dessert. NC State advises avoiding the seeds.

Hazard type

NC State Extension advises avoiding the seeds: "the sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo." The page does not name the substance.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Confirmed non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses on ASPCA's own dedicated page for this exact species.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Warm-season annual everywhere.
Water needs: substantial and consistent; soil moistened to a depth of at least 6 in; drip irrigation preferred; reduce watering in the final week before harvest to concentrate sweetness
Mature size: Not addressed as a direct dimension figure in the source used.
Family: Cucurbitaceae (gourd family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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