Kiwano, also known as Horned Melon, is a unique fruit with spiky orange skin and bright green, jelly-like flesh. It has a mildly sweet and tart flavor and is often used in salads, smoothies, or as a garnish. This heat-loving vine requires warm, sunny conditions and well-drained, fertile soil.
Planting season: Spring to early summer
Germination time: 7–14 days
Position: Full sun, well-drained, fertile soil
Days till maturity: 90–120 days
Plant height: Vining, up to 3 meters
Growing instructions:
Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, keeping the soil warm (around 21–24°C) and moist for optimal germination. Once seedlings have a few sets of leaves, transplant them outdoors after the last frost. Space plants 1 meter apart to allow for their vining growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide support such as a trellis for the vines. Harvest the fruit when the skin turns a deep orange, and the spikes become more pronounced.
