Jelly Melon Cucumber Seeds - Grow Unique and Exotic Jelly Melon Cucumbers for Your Garden

Jelly Melon Cucumber Growing Guide

Key Attributes:

• Product Name: Jelly Melon Cucumber Seeds
• Scientific Name: Cucumis metuliferus
• Common Names: Kiwano, African Horned Melon, Horned Cucumber
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
• Fruit Color: Green when young, ripening to bright orange with spiky skin
• Growth Habit: Vigorous vining plant (6-10 feet long)
• Fruit Size: 3-5 inches long
• Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
• Light Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–6.8)
• Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts, and garnishes

Product Details:

• Germination Rate: High for reliable growth
• Seed Freshness: Newly harvested for optimal germination
• Origin: Native to Africa, now cultivated worldwide
• Shelf Life: Best planted within one year for maximum viability

Planting Instructions:

Seed Preparation:

• No pre-soaking required, but starting indoors can speed up germination in cooler climates.

Sowing Guidelines:

Indoor Sowing (Recommended for Short Growing Seasons):

• Start seeds 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Sow ½ inch deep in seed-starting trays filled with well-draining seed mix.
• Maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F (24-29°C) for best germination.
• Provide bright light (grow lights or a sunny window) to prevent leggy seedlings.

Outdoor Sowing:

• Direct sow only after all danger of frost has passed, and soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C).
• Space seeds 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart for good airflow.
• Provide a trellis or support system to keep fruit off the ground.

Germination:

• Typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions.
• Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowering begins.
• Support: Jelly melon vines benefit from a trellis to improve air circulation and fruit development.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pollination: Flowers require pollinators, so planting near other flowering plants can improve fruit set.

Harvesting & Storage:

• When to Harvest: Pick when the fruit turns bright orange and feels slightly soft when squeezed.
• Storage: Store fresh fruit at room temperature for up to 2 months. Refrigerate for extended freshness.