Horned melons, which are also called kiwano or horned cucumbers, are interesting foods that come from Africa. Their orange skin is spiked, and the inside is bright green and jelly-like. Not only do they look great, but they taste slightly sweet and sour with a bit of cucumber.
What Are Horned Melons?
How they look: Their skin is orange and spiked, and they have a unique horns look. Inside are bright green seeds that are sticky.
Taste: People often say it tastes like a mix of cucumber and zucchini, with a hint of kiwi and banana.
To use them, you can eat them raw, put them on salads, use them as a garnish, or even put them in smoothies and sweets.
How to Grow Corn with Horns
Weather: Horned melons do best in warm places. They need a lot of sun and warmth, preferably between 21°C and 85°F (70°C to 29°C). They do well in USDA zones 9–11, but in colder places, they can be grown in pots and brought inside.
Soil: They like sandy clay soil that drains well and is high in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is what you want for the dirt. You can improve your dirt with compost or old manure if it is not good enough.
To plant
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds in the garden after the last frost, when the ground is warm enough. Plant the seeds an inch deep and 3–4 feet apart so that they can grow in a spread-out way.
Beginning inside: Six to eight weeks before the last frost, start seeds indoors. Plant seedlings in seed boxes or pots. Move them outside when they are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed.
Also read:-Top 10 Fast Growing Shrubs for Instant Curb Appeal
When you water, make sure the dirt stays damp but not soaked. Deeply and often water the plants, especially when it is dry outside. To keep the leaves from getting too wet, drip watering or soaker hoses work best.
For good growth and fruit production, feed the plants a balanced fertilizer or compost every four to six weeks.
Horned melon plants are strong and can spread out over a large area. Putting up a trellis or other support can help keep the flowers off the ground and let more air flow around the plants.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles are common yard pests that you should keep an eye out for on horned melons. To avoid fungus diseases, make sure there is good air flow.
When it is time to pick the fruits, their skin should turn a bright orange color and their spiked horns should stand out more. You can pick them while they are still hard and let them ripen more at room temperature.
Horned melons that are fully ripe can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Fruits that are not ripe yet can be left out at room temperature until they are.
Tips for Success
Planting with other plants: Planting horned melons with corn or beans will help the plants pollinate and give the vines natural support.
How horned melons get pollinated: Insects do the pollinating. Planting flowers that insects like can help more fruits and vegetables grow.