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Cucumis metuliferus

Cucumis metuliferus
African horned cucumber, Horned melon, Jelly melon, Kiwano

4,7/5
2 reviews
1 reviews
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It has grown well, but it is quite a sensitive plant to drought and mites. I have had several shoots, but they are not very interesting in terms of taste. However, they make a beautiful decoration, as they last for quite a long time in cool weather.

Tatiana, 03/03/2023

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More information

Value-for-money
A unique and decorative variety of African cucumber. Quite similar to melon, it produces green fruits that turn orange when ripe. They are ovoid in shape and adorned with protrusions forming small horns. It is a juicy and sweet cucumber without any bitterness. It will delight fans of gustatory adventures. Sow the seeds from March to May for a harvest from August to September.
Ease of cultivation
Amateur
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
10 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Sowing period April to June
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Flowering time May to July
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Harvest time August to October
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Description

Cucumis metuliferus is a unique and decorative variety of African cucumber. Quite similar to melon, it produces green fruits that turn orange when ripe. They are ovoid in shape and adorned with protrusions forming small horns. It is a juicy and sweet cucumber without any bitterness. It will delight fans of gustatory adventures. 

The fruits vary in size from 9 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long and are adorned with a translucent green flesh containing numerous seeds. Its flavour evolves as it ripens. It develops aromas of kiwi and lime that evolve towards melon or even banana when very ripe. It is enjoyed raw, as a sweet appetiser or dessert, either simply cut in half or in a fruit salad. It is very rich in vitamin C, containing 4 times more than an orange.

It can be stored at room temperature, not in the fridge. Harvest the fruits with care to avoid damage and store them in a cool and ventilated place. It can be enjoyed until December.

This cucumber is grown in the traditional way. However, due to its African origins, it requires a little more warmth than other cucumbers. We recommend growing it under cover in cooler regions. Sowing takes place from April to June for a harvest that extends from July to October.

There are two main types of cucumbers: "forcing" varieties, which are intended for greenhouse cultivation, and those that are adapted to outdoor cultivation. They can be smooth or spiny, long or semi-long. In addition to these classic varieties, there are also more "exotic" cucumbers such as the Kenyan Cucumber or the Snake Cucumber, which are generally more heat-demanding.

Harvest: cucumbers should be harvested when they have reached their final size, before their colour turns yellow. Regularly harvest to encourage the formation of new fruits.

Gardener's tip: like all members of the Cucurbitaceae family, cucumbers can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a white fuzz on the foliage. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulphur every 2 weeks. In case of minor infestation, you can treat the plants with skimmed milk diluted to 10 to 20% in rainwater. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in your greenhouse if growing under cover. Spraying with a horsetail decoction can also strengthen foliage resistance.

 

 

Cucumis metuliferus in pictures

Cucumis metuliferus  (Harvest) Harvest

Harvest

Harvest time August to October
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Colour, Productive
Flavour Sour
Use Table, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Cucumis

Species

metuliferus

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Other common names

African horned cucumber, Horned melon, Jelly melon, Kiwano

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Annual / Perennial

Annual

Product reference31021

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Planting and care

Cucumber Sowing

Germination occurs at a temperature of about 20°C (68°F). Germination generally takes 8 to 10 days.

Sow the seeds from April to June, either in pots or directly in the ground.

Prepare your pots one month before the planned planting date. Place 2 or 3 seeds in special sowing compost and water with a very fine spray. When two true leaves appear, keep only one plant per pot. Keep the young plant at a mild temperature, ensuring that the substrate remains moist but not waterlogged.

Sowing in open ground is done later, in warm soil. Sow in a small hole with 2 or 3 seeds and proceed as for sowing in pots.

When planting or direct sowing, maintain a distance of 1m (3ft) between each row and 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) between each plant.

 

Cucumber Cultivation

Cucumbers are a fairly demanding vegetable that require well-fertilised soil. It is wise to add mature compost (about 3 kg per m2) in autumn, by raking the soil to a depth of 5cm (2in), after having loosened the soil as with any vegetable cultivation. They prefer neutral soils (pH 7) but will also thrive in slightly acidic or alkaline soil (pH between 5.5 and 7.5).

Cucumbers can be grown flat. To save space, use their climbing nature by training them on a frame covered with wire mesh, inclined at 45%. This will provide beneficial shade for lettuces. You can also grow cucumbers up a teepee.

When the plants are vertically trained, concentrate on a single stem. Pinch this stem at a height of 2.5m (8ft). When grown flat, pinch above the second leaf to obtain two stems, which will themselves be pinched above the 4th leaf. The final pruning involves cutting above a leaf for each formed fruit.

Cucumbers pair well with corn, but avoid planting them near tomatoes and potatoes.

 

Seedlings

Sowing period April to June
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 10 days

Care

Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Soil light
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
4,7/5
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