Kiwano, Horngurke

created by Marco R.1 at 28.04.2023

Seed packet

Features

Location

Greenhouse

Color

orange

dark yellow

Taste

fruity

sweetish

Passion fruit aroma

fresh

Banana aroma

Growth habit

climbing

high ranking

Fruit shape

round-oval

jagged

Cultivation Break

4 Years

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Description

Kiwano African cucumber / horned cucumber plants grow up to 2 m high, are strongly climbing and produce decorative and very interesting tasting fruits that are 10 cm long and 5-6 cm thick. They change color from green to orange-yellow when fully ripe and look very decorative. To eat them, cut the fruit lengthwise and spoon out the contents.

Non hybrid

Not frost resistant

Growing tips

Germination at min. 20°C after 1-2 weeks. When the fruits are ripe, they have a yellow-orange to green-brownish color. Cultivation is similar to that of the sugar melon. Fertilization by insects. Cultivation in a greenhouse is recommended. Dry heat and temperatures above 15°C. In warm regions also in a sheltered spot outdoors. A climbing aid is recommended so that the tendrils can be directed upwards. Good in the bed with medium and weak growers. Do not water with water that is too cold. Always keep moist but allow the soil surface to dry out from time to time. Can be stored for a long time in cool temperatures, but not in the fridge. Harvest the last fruits before the last frost, they can ripen, but become inedible in frost. Wear gloves when picking. Do not eat bitter fruit!