The horned melon (also known as kiwano, jelly melon, or African horned cucumber) is a unique and exotic fruit native to sub-Saharan Africa. It has gained popularity worldwide for its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste.
Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Appearance
Outer Skin: Bright orange or golden-yellow when ripe, covered in small, firm spines or "horns."
Inner Flesh: Lime-green and jelly-like, with numerous edible seeds.
Taste and Texture
The flavor is a mix of cucumber, banana, and citrus, with a slightly tangy and refreshing profile.
The texture is gelatinous, similar to passion fruit or pomegranate seeds.
Nutritional Benefits
Rich in Vitamins: High in vitamins C and A.
Hydration: Contains a lot of water, making it a good source of hydration.
Minerals: A good source of potassium, magnesium, and iron.
Low in Calories: A great option for light snacking.
Add a touch of the exotic to your garden with a spiny and delicious Kiwano Horned Melon plant, (#ad) available now on Amazon.
How to Eat It
Raw: Cut in half and scoop out the jelly-like flesh with a spoon.
Smoothies and Juices: Blend the flesh for a refreshing drink.
Garnish: Use it to add a pop of color and an exotic touch to desserts or salads.
Cultivation
Climate: Prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates but can be grown in temperate regions with the right care.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil, rich in organic matter.
Water: Needs consistent watering but avoid waterlogging.
Growth: It’s a vine, so it benefits from a trellis or similar support.
Growing horned melon (kiwano) is fairly straightforward if you provide the right conditions. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Location
Climate: Horned melon thrives in warm, sunny climates (similar to cucumbers or melons). It grows best in temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Sunlight: Full sun is ideal; choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Soil
Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil is best.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
Amendments: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
3. Planting Seeds
Timing:
If planting outdoors, sow seeds after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (16°C).
For an early start, plant seeds indoors in pots about 4–6 weeks before the last frost date.
Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and about 3–4 feet apart to allow vines room to spread.
4. Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
5. Provide Support
Horned melon is a vining plant, so install a trellis, fence, or stake to encourage upward growth. This improves air circulation and keeps the fruit clean.
6. Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every few weeks during the growing season.
Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
7. Pest and Disease Management
Pests: Watch for aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
Diseases: Prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases by providing good airflow and avoiding overhead watering.
8. Harvesting
Horned melons are ready to harvest 3–4 months after planting, typically when their skin turns bright orange.
Gently twist or cut the fruit from the vine to avoid damaging the plant.
Tips for Success
Heat-loving: If growing in a cooler climate, consider using row covers or planting in a greenhouse.
Companions: Plant with other heat-loving crops like melons, squash, or beans.
Here’s a guide on companion planting and pest management to help your horned melons thrive:
Companion Planting
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve growth, and enhance pollination.
Best Companion Plants
Corn: Provides a natural trellis for horned melons to climb.
Beans: Fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for the melons.
Marigolds: Repel aphids, nematodes, and other harmful insects.
Nasturtiums: Attract beneficial insects and act as a trap crop for aphids.
Radishes: Repel cucumber beetles, which can harm horned melons.
Herbs:
Basil and oregano repel pests like aphids.
Dill and cilantro attract pollinators and beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Plants to Avoid
Potatoes: They compete for nutrients and can attract pests like beetles.
or other melons: Can attract similar pests and increase the risk of disease due to overcrowding.
Tomatoes: May increase the risk of fungal diseases like blight.
Pest Management
Horned melons are relatively hardy, but a few pests may pose a problem. Here’s how to manage them:
Common Pests
Aphids
Signs: Sticky residue on leaves, stunted growth.
Control: Spray plants with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Cucumber Beetles
Signs: Yellowing leaves, chewed holes.
Control: Use sticky traps or floating row covers. Plant radishes nearby to repel them.
Spider Mites
Signs: Fine webbing on the underside of leaves, yellow or speckled leaves.
Control: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or use neem oil.
Cutworms
Signs: Seedlings cut off at the base.
Control: Place collars around young plants (e.g., a ring of cardboard or plastic).
Preventing Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Prevent by ensuring good airflow and avoiding wetting leaves during watering. Use fungicidal sprays if necessary.
Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and ensure soil drains well.
Pollination Tips
Since horned melons depend on pollinators, attract bees by planting flowers like sunflowers or zinnias nearby.
If pollination seems low, you can hand-pollinate by transferring pollen between flowers with a small paintbrush.
