Eden Seeds
Cucumber African Horned Seeds
$3.90
Unit price perCucumis metuliferus
African Horned Cucumber, also known as Kiwano, Jelly Melon and Horned Melon, is an extraordinary African cucurbit producing oval fruits covered in prominent horn-like spines. Fruits mature from green to a brilliant orange, while the interior remains translucent, emerald-green and jelly-like, filled with edible seeds.
The flavour is mild, fresh and subtly sweet-tart, often described as a combination of cucumber, banana and lime. The pulp can be spooned straight from the shell, added to fruit salads, desserts, drinks and smoothies, or used as a striking garnish. The hollowed orange shells also make wonderfully unusual serving vessels.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Cucumis metuliferus is adapted to warm conditions and can cope remarkably well with heat and periods of dry weather once established. Kiwano has also been grown in Australia for generations, with an old story suggesting that seed was brought home by Australian soldiers returning from the Boer War.
The vigorous vines sprawl or climb readily and benefit from plenty of space or a sturdy trellis. Plants are productive in warm weather, and the mature orange fruits are exceptional keepers. Their tough skin allows undamaged fruit to be stored for an extended period at room temperature after harvest.
Approximately 40 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring after frost to early summer
Cold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 10–20 mm deep directly into warm soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 60–100 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a strong trellis if growing vertically, or allow plenty of room for vines to ramble along the ground.
Water regularly during establishment, flowering and fruit development. Harvest young green fruits if using similarly to cucumber, or allow them to mature fully to orange for the characteristic jelly-like pulp and best storage life.
Not available for delivery to Western Australia.
Cucumber African Horned Seeds
$3.90
Unit price per
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Cucumis metuliferus
African Horned Cucumber, also known as Kiwano, Jelly Melon and Horned Melon, is an extraordinary African cucurbit producing oval fruits covered in prominent horn-like spines. Fruits mature from green to a brilliant orange, while the interior remains translucent, emerald-green and jelly-like, filled with edible seeds.
The flavour is mild, fresh and subtly sweet-tart, often described as a combination of cucumber, banana and lime. The pulp can be spooned straight from the shell, added to fruit salads, desserts, drinks and smoothies, or used as a striking garnish. The hollowed orange shells also make wonderfully unusual serving vessels.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Cucumis metuliferus is adapted to warm conditions and can cope remarkably well with heat and periods of dry weather once established. Kiwano has also been grown in Australia for generations, with an old story suggesting that seed was brought home by Australian soldiers returning from the Boer War.
The vigorous vines sprawl or climb readily and benefit from plenty of space or a sturdy trellis. Plants are productive in warm weather, and the mature orange fruits are exceptional keepers. Their tough skin allows undamaged fruit to be stored for an extended period at room temperature after harvest.
Approximately 40 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring after frost to early summer
Cold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 10–20 mm deep directly into warm soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 60–100 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a strong trellis if growing vertically, or allow plenty of room for vines to ramble along the ground.
Water regularly during establishment, flowering and fruit development. Harvest young green fruits if using similarly to cucumber, or allow them to mature fully to orange for the characteristic jelly-like pulp and best storage life.
Not available for delivery to Western Australia.
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