Kiwano Horned Melon

Kiwano Seeds – Horned Melon 🌿🥒

Botanical Name: Cucumis metuliferus

Kiwano, also known as Horned Melon, is a unique and exotic climbing plant grown for its unusual spiky orange fruits and refreshing juicy flesh. This vigorous annual vine produces oval fruits measuring approximately 10–15 cm long and weighing around 200–300 g.

The bright green jelly-like interior has a refreshing flavour often compared to a mix of cucumber, kiwi, and melon, making it perfect for salads, desserts, smoothies, and decorative dishes. The eye-catching fruits are also highly valued as ornamental decorations.

Kiwano is an exciting choice for greenhouses, polytunnels, conservatories, or warm sunny garden spaces.

🌱 Growing Information

Sowing Method

Sow 2–3 seeds per pot indoors in the second half of April using small pots approximately 7–8 cm wide.

Sowing Depth

Sow seeds at approximately 1–2 cm depth and lightly cover with compost.

Germination

Seeds usually germinate within approximately 2 weeks at temperatures of 20–24°C.

Planting Time

Transplant outdoors or into greenhouse beds in the second half of May once plants have developed 4–5 true leaves and frost risk has passed.

Plant Spacing

Allow approximately 1 x 1 metre spacing between plants for healthy vigorous growth.

☀️ Growing Position

Kiwano thrives in a warm sunny sheltered position with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Best grown in:

• Greenhouses
• Polytunnels
• Conservatories
• Sunny sheltered patios

💧 Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and fruit development. Water regularly during warm weather but avoid waterlogging.

📏 Plant Details

✔ Type: Annual climbing vine
✔ Exotic edible fruit
✔ Decorative horned melons
✔ Vigorous trailing growth
✔ Great conversation plant 🌿

🍈 Harvest Period

Harvest fruits from late summer into autumn once skins turn orange-yellow and fully mature.

✨ Why You’ll Love It

✔ Exotic unusual fruits 🍈
✔ Refreshing juicy flavour
✔ Perfect for salads & desserts
✔ Decorative ornamental fruits
✔ Fun & rewarding to grow
✔ Ideal greenhouse variety

🌿 Perfect For

🏡 Greenhouses & polytunnels
☀️ Sunny sheltered gardens
🪴 Conservatories
🍈 Exotic edible gardens
🌱 Container growing with support

📦 Pack Information

Approx. 18 seeds (+/- 20%)
Contents: 0.3 g seeds