Cucumber (African horned cucumber / Kiwano)

Plant family

Curcurbits (Cucurbitaceae)

Also known as

Horned Melon, Spiked Melon, Jelly Melon

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

120 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Kiwano, horned cucumber, jagged cucumber or horned melon belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). The horned cucumber a climbing plant that can form tendrils up to 3 m long, with steighaarigen, ribbed stems. Its fruits bear many seeds and are spiny on the outside. Its taste resembles a mixture of bananas, lemons, cucumbers and passion fruit. It is eaten like a kiwi, by spooning out the inside.

Growing tips

Germination at min. 20°C after 1-2 weeks. When the fruits are ripe, they have a yellow-orange to green-brownish color. Cultivation is similar to that of the sugar melon. Fertilization by insects. Cultivation in a greenhouse is recommended. Dry heat and temperatures above 15°C. In warm regions also in a sheltered spot outdoors. A climbing aid is recommended so that the tendrils can be directed upwards. Good in the bed with medium and weak growers. Do not water with water that is too cold. Always keep moist but allow the soil surface to dry out from time to time. Can be stored for a long time in cool temperatures, but not in the fridge. Harvest the last fruits before the last frost, they can ripen, but become inedible in frost. Wear gloves when picking. Do not eat bitter fruit!