Horned Melon - Cucumis metuliferus

The African Horned Cucumber, also known as Kiwano or Horned Melon, is a curious and decorative variety of African cucumber. Similar to melon, it produces green fruits that turn orange when ripe, ovoid in shape and adorned with small horn-like protrusions. It is a juicy cucumber with sweet and non-bitter flesh that will delight adventurous taste buds. Sow from March to May for a harvest from August to September.

The fruits vary in size from 9 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in length and are filled with translucent green flesh containing numerous seeds. The taste of the Kenyan Cucumber evolves as it ripens: it develops flavors of kiwi and lime that evolve into melon or even banana when fully mature. It can be enjoyed raw, as a sweet appetizer or dessert, simply cut in half or in a fruit salad. It is a fruit rich in vitamin C, containing four times more than an orange.

It has remarkable shelf life when stored at room temperature, rather than in the fridge. Harvested with care to avoid damage and stored in a cool and well-ventilated place, it can be enjoyed until December.

This cucumber can be grown in the traditional way but, due to its African origins, it requires a little more warmth than our native cucumbers. We recommend growing it under cover in less temperate regions. Sow from April to June for a harvest from July to October.

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

Harvest: Cucumbers should be harvested when they have reached their final size. Regular harvesting should be done to encourage the formation of new fruits.

Gardener's tip: Like all cucurbits, cucumbers can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulfur every 2 weeks. In case of minor infestation, you can also treat the plants with diluted skimmed milk (10-20% in rainwater). As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in the greenhouse if growing under cover. A decoction of horsetail can also be sprayed to strengthen leaf resistance.

Organic or "AB" seeds come from plants grown without the use of pesticides (insecticides, herbicides). These seeds also do not undergo any post-harvest treatment. They bear the AB label and are certified by Ecocert, an independent organization.