Kiwano – African prickly pear / horned melon

Kiwano – African prickly pear / horned melon
Cucumis metuliferus – about 25 seeds

Kiwano is a spectacular and heat-loving fruit from southern Africa, known for its orange-yellow spiky fruits and tropical sweet-sour taste. The fruits grow to about 10 cm long and are full of juicy, lime-green flesh – an exotic favorite among children and adults alike!

When the fruit ripens, the skin becomes soft and acquires an intense yellow-orange color. They can be overripe indoors and have a very good shelf life – often several months at room temperature. The plant is winding and likes to climb, so growing with a trellis or support is recommended .

Type: Exotic fruit / African horn melon
Origin: South Africa
Taste: Sweet and sour, tropical – similar to passion fruit and banana
Fruit size: about 10 cm
Sowing time: Indoors in April, transplanted after frost
Sowing depth: 1–2 cm
Row spacing: 100 cm
Plant distance: 30 cm
Temperature requirement: High – frost sensitive
Nutritional requirements: Low – does not require much fertilizer
Number of seeds: about 25 pcs.
Tip: Grow with support for best yield and shape

A culinary and visual experience in the garden – Kiwano offers both color, shape and flavor from the sunny landscapes of Africa. An exotic delight to try at home!