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Knowledge/Crops/Kiwano (Horned Melon)
Fruits

Kiwano (Horned Melon)

Cucumis metuliferus

Kiwano, also known as horned melon, is a vine fruit native to Africa. It has a spiky orange-yellow skin and a green, jelly-like flesh with a mildly sweet and tart flavor. Kiwano is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to diets. It is often used in salads, smoothies, and as a garnish.

Calculate System for Kiwano (Horned Melon)
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Kiwano is typically grown in warm climates and requires a trellis for support. Varieties include the yellow and orange types, with the yellow being more common in commercial production.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00–600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter; consider adding compost before planting. Regular soil testing can help maintain optimal pH and nutrient levels.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.00–6.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.00–7.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Kiwano prefers full sun and should be protected from frost. In hotter climates, provide some shade during peak temperatures.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Kiwano (Horned Melon) Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Kiwano (Horned Melon) field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Kiwano (Horned Melon)

Kiwano, also known as Horned Melon, is a unique and exotic fruit that is gaining popularity in the agricultural market. It has a vibrant orange skin with distinctive horn-like spines and its juicy green flesh is filled with numerous seeds. Growing Kiwano can be a rewarding experience, both economically and…

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