De Zambie

Season Overview

Description

This kiwano variety produces plum-shaped fruit, green and then yellow when fully ripe. The flesh is very juicy and has a banana and lime flavor. They can be eaten like a melon or as juice. This is a new species that was recently discovered in north-western Zambia.

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 guided 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

100 cm

Row spacing

100 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm