Cantaloupe (also cantaloup) refers to two varieties of muskmelon (Cucumis melo) , which is a species in the family Cucurbitaceae (a family which inclues nearly all melons and squashes). Cantaloupes are typically 15–25 cm in length and are somewhat oblong, though not as oblong as watermelons. Like all melons, cantaloupes grow best in sandy, well-aerated, well-watered soil that is free of encroaching weeds.