Cucumis metuliferus HORNED MELON (15 seeds)

Kiwano, also known as Horned Cucumber, Horned Melon, or Cucumis metuliferus in Latin, is a plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. This annual creeping plant is native to Africa and Arabia. As a tropical species, it is fast-growing, reaching approximately 3 meters in length.

Flowering takes place during the summer, producing a multitude of small yellow male and female flowers on the same plant. Its flowers have 5 petals and measure 2 cm in diameter.

Its edible fruit, called the kiwano, features numerous small rounded spikes. Its skin is orange, and it is unique for its sweet, non-bitter flesh with an original taste and a neon green color.

Horned melon seeds are white, fuzzy, and elongated, measuring 8 millimeters in length. Its stinging and rough foliage provides extensive coverage. Its trilobed and serrated leaves are oval and quite wide.

- Uses:

Kiwano is primarily consumed for its refreshing flesh with notes of cucumber and banana. It is used fresh in fruit salads or cocktails for its tangy flavor and unique gelatinous texture.

Due to its exotic appearance and bright orange spiky skin, this fruit is highly prized as a culinary decorative element. Its rigid shell can also serve as an original natural container for presenting sorbets or appetizers at receptions.

- Germination and Sowing Seeds:

• The best period to sow Kiwano is in June, when nighttime temperatures are sufficiently high.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of fine horticultural potting soil, burying them 1/2 cm deep.
• Water the culture gently using a manual sprayer.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse in a warm and humid spot at a temperature close to 30°C.
• Germination will generally begin within 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It grows in a substrate rich in organic matter and well-draining. The soil should be non-compact and highly mineral.

- Light / Exposure:

Kiwano must be exposed to full sun. It requires high luminosity to produce a significant amount of fruit.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

It enjoys high temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. Below this range, its growth is slower. It is a non-hardy plant that cannot withstand winter frosts. Its USDA zone is 10.

- Irrigation / Watering:

Due to its native dry geographical zone, this cucurbit is not water-demanding. It needs to be irrigated at the base during planting and for the first 2 weeks; after that, watering is not necessary. Mulching at the base of the plant during summer will prevent water loss through evaporation.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

The most effective and fastest method for reproduction is by seed starting in late spring. It cannot be propagated by cuttings or layering.

- Predators / Diseases:

It is resistant to parasites but can be affected by the mosaic virus or powdery mildew. A light treatment with Bordeaux mixture will then be necessary.