Kiwano: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow kiwano under cover?
Sow kiwano, Cucumis metuliferus, under cover in spring, around six weeks before planting into warm, frost-free conditions. Adjust this start to your climate and the space available for young plants. Very early sowing does not help if stems become stretched indoors before the garden is ready.
Use clean individual pots with drainage holes and free-draining seed compost. Moisten it, sow one seed per pot about 1–2 cm deep, cover and firm gently. Keep warm, around 20–25°C, with good light. This concerns the warmth around germinating seeds, not a guarantee of emergence in a cold room.
Keep compost slightly moist without leaving water standing in the tray. If using a transparent cover, ventilate and remove it after emergence. Check each pot and identify strong seedlings. Avoid unnecessary handling of the roots.
Once several true leaves have formed, move plants with their rootballs intact to larger pots if needed. Introduce them gradually to sunshine and outdoor air on mild days. Wait for warm soil and reliably mild nights before final planting: having several leaves does not make kiwano cold-resistant.
When and how do you plant kiwano?
Does kiwano need pruning?
When and how do you harvest kiwano?
