Horngurke Afrikanische Gurke Kiwano

Season Overview

Description

Kiwano African cucumber / horned cucumber plants grow up to 2 m high, are strongly climbing and produce decorative and very interesting tasting fruits that are 10 cm long and 5-6 cm thick. They change color from green to orange-yellow when fully ripe and look very decorative. To eat them, cut the fruit lengthwise and spoon out the contents.

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!

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Very humid

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

120 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm