Kiwano Vegetable Seeds

KIWANO ‘African Horned Cucumber’ Seeds

Botanical Name: Cucumis metuliferus

Kiwano is a traditional food plant in Africa and a very hardy member of the cucumber family. The fruit has greenish-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh. The flavor is described as fruity, tasting like a combination of passionfruit and lime. Traditionally it is used as a snack or in salad. It is resistant to root-knot nematodes and fungal diseases.

Plant Type: Warm season annual vine

Plant Height: 25 cm; or can be grown on a trellis

Sow When:

• Temperate/Subtropical: Late September – December
• Tropical: Spring to summer; April – August

Germination:

• 4 – 10 days
• Depth: 12 mm deep

Position: Full sun; requires bee pollination

Sow Where: Into seedling pots, transplant when soil is warm

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained, pH 5.5 – 7

Spacing: 90 cm apart

Details: Overripe fruit will self-sow and can become weedy

Harvest: 90 days; wait for color change to orange before harvesting; do not store in the fridge; stores best between 20° – 24°C