{"product_id":"cucumber-african-horned-383","title":"Cucumber African Horned Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCucumis metuliferus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to sub-Saharan Africa, \u003cem\u003eCucumis metuliferus\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 40 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Spring to autumn\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring after frost to early summer\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after all danger of frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 10–20 mm deep directly into warm soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplant 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot available for delivery to Western Australia.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46375831699674,"sku":"prefix_681c1f71780437.81859777","price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5g","offer_id":46375831732442,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717804a4.05936058","price":6.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20g","offer_id":46375831765210,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717804c4.11580186","price":23.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Cucumber_AfricanHornedKiwano.jpg?v=1785803348","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/cucumber-african-horned-383","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}