{"product_id":"cucumber-african-horned-seeds","title":"Cucumber - African Horned seeds","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCUCUMBER African Horned (KIWANO) seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCucumis metuliferus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePack: 15 seeds, 5g\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican Horned Cucumber (Jelly Melon, Kiwano) is an annual vining vegetable native to NW Zambia where it is cultivated by indigenous farmers.  The young fruits are mottled green and are wholly edible, tasting like a cucumber.  The mature fruits are hard of shell, green and yellow striped, a scoopable source of nutritious seeds and life-giving water. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the most impressive health benefits of Kiwano include its ability to improve cognitive ability, prevent certain types of chronic diseases, aid in weight loss, protect the skin, boost the metabolism, increase eye health, strengthen bones, optimise digestion, and speed up wound healing!!! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is primarily used as a fruit snack or salad. It is eaten young, mature green or when ripe - bright yellow\/orange (i.e eaten at any stage of its development) and it grows naturally in the fields and also in the bush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eCare and Growing Instructions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCucumber requires warm, well-drained soil high in fertility, with a pH of 6–6.8. Consistent, adequate irrigation is needed to produce an abundant crop. \u003cstrong\u003eCucumbers are very sensitive to cold. Make sure both soil and air temperatures have warmed prior to planting. \u003c\/strong\u003eUsing plastic mulch and row covers will greatly enhance the vigour and potential yields of cucumbers by providing warmth and insect protection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn frost areas, sow undercover in seed trays in early spring. Plant out after last frosts. Sow indoors in 16-cell plug trays about 5-6mm deep, 1–2 seeds\/cell, 3–4 weeks before transplanting. \u003cstrong\u003eKeep the temperature above 21°C days and 16°C night\u003c\/strong\u003e with a heating pad underneath plug trays. Transplant 30cm apart. Do not disturb roots when transplanting. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn frost-free areas sow directly into the soil in early spring. However, wait until the \u003cstrong\u003esoil is warm, at least 21°C\u003c\/strong\u003e. Cucumber seeds \u003cstrong\u003ewill not germinate at a soil temperature below 14°C\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sow 2 seeds per 30cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003eSpacing\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle Plants: 60cm each way (minimum)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRows: 60cm with 60cm row gap (minimum) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport plants well so they can climb upwards, even when the cucumbers get large. This also protects the cucumbers from slugs. Occasionally a plant can produce very bitter cucumbers so always test a bit before serving to others! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen flowers start forming, feed with a slow-release potassium-rich organic fertilizer. Fortnightly liquid feed from mid-summer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce fruit bearing begins, pick daily. Cut the cucumbers off the plant when they are still quite young, otherwise, the skin becomes hard and will need peeling. More cucumbers will then be produced. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation notes will be supplied with a seed packet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Happy Valley Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Pack: 15 seeds","offer_id":50920963506488,"sku":"V-400","price":1.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5g","offer_id":50920963539256,"sku":"BW-V-400_5g","price":9.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/5416\/2522\/products\/cucumber-african-horned-seeds-925369.jpg?v=1701072335","url":"https:\/\/www.happyvalleyseeds.com.au\/products\/cucumber-african-horned-seeds","provider":"Happy Valley Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}