How to Grow African Horned Melon
The African Horned Melon {Cucumis metuliferus}, which also goes by the nicknames of Kiwano or Jelly melon, is hardy in zones 10 and up and can be directly sown or cultivated in containers. Kiwano is not only a showy and vitamin rich fruit producing vine, but also resists common afflictions such as nematodes, melon aphids, greenhouse flies, and powdery mildew!
These do not make good houseplants. Since they are an annual, they require a lot more sunlight than a window can provide.
The Kiwano fruit contains many hidden health benefits, from the large amounts of Vitamin E contained in the seeds, to the Vitamin A stored in the pulp. A tonic made from an emulsion of ground seed in water has also been found to be a Vermifuge, expelling parasites from the body.
Steps
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Determine the best spot for your new Kiwano plant or seed. Choose an area with FULL sunlight {Greenhouse cultivation is a must in colder climates} with an area for the plant to vine such as a trellis or fence as the vine can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 m).
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Prepare the soil. Kiwano prefers loamy or 40%-40%-20% Sand-Silt-Clay mixture, and a Ph range of 6.0 - 6.5. **If using a container, make sure it is well drained.
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Plant your seeds. Push the seed 1/2" into prepared soil or twice the size of the root-ball if planting a seedling. You'll want to allow about 6 feet (1.8 m) between rows and about 2 feet (0.6 m) between groupings of 2-3 seeds {1 seedling}. **If using a container, allow for 4–5 gallons (15.1–18.9 L) of soil per plant.
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Keep the seeds consistently moist up to 1" into the soil. Germination varies and can occur between 5 days and two weeks depending on your climate. As the plant matures, you will need to provide 1-2" of water per week. You should also be sure to let the soil dry out a bit between watering, making this a great plant for forgetful gardeners in the tropics!
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Fertilize sparingly, administering a weak organic fish emulsion or compost tea twice a month.
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Apply organic mulch, straw, or wood chips around the base of the plant when the soil temperature is 75 °F (24 °C) or above to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
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It is ripe when the skin turns yellow and the inside becomes gelatinous and lime green. Picked early, your are likely to encounter a clean smelling but rather bitter tasting fruit. If allowed to ripen on the vine, it tastes a combination of cucumber, banana, and melon.
Tips
- Mix Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth into your soil mix. Diatomaceous earth products are a source of Organic pest control and are registered for use against bed bugs, roaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders, and many other pests.
- Sprinkle Organic Cinnamon powder onto damp soil to prevent the growth of mold and fungus.
Warnings
- Wear gloves when harvesting the fruit of the African Horned melon, it's spines are sharp and may puncture the skin,
Things You'll Need
- Organic Loamy Soil Mix. 40% Sand - 40% Silt - 20% Clay
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
- Organic Cinnamon Powder
- Well Drained Container 4–5 gallons (15.1–18.9 L)
- Untreated Mulch
- Compost or Organic Fertilizer
Information
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