Cucumis (Kiwano or Horned African Melon)

Kiwano or African Horned Cucumber is an annual vine spreading over the ground and is native of the Kalahari desert in Africa. It produces ornamental yellow flowers followed by most decorative, oblong fruits, turning from light green to bright orange-yellow with maturity. The fruits have sharp spines on their exterior and show a mild cucumber like flavor. The plants can also be cultivated upright with a climbing aid (e.g. on a fence). They will thrive in any humus rich soil in full sun.
Sow flat preferably from end of January to end of March in any rich, well drained soil, three seeds per pot. Keep pots in a very sunny and warm spot inside under glass (e.g. on a warm window sill, in a heated greenhouse or in the wintergarden) at a minimum of some 20°C. Transplant young plants to the open garden as soon as temperatures will stay above 10°C at night. Alternatively they can be grown in a large container.
20 seeds per package.

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Cucumis metuliferus (Kiwano Melon)

200 (500)cm, Kiwano Melon is a vigorous annual vine with ornamental yellow flowers followed by most decorative orange yellow fruits with strong thorns and a distinct cucumber-like, transparent yellowish green pulp, which is edible but without any special taste. For any rich, well drained soil in a sunny spot at a minimum of some 20°C.
20 seeds per package.

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