Fascinating growing Kiwano from seeds - what a gardener needs to know
Kiwano or African cucumber is an unusual exotic fruit that has recently appeared on the shelves of Russian supermarkets, but has already gained popularity. Despite the tropical origin, growing Kiwano from seeds is also possible in central Russia.
Kiwano - what is it
Key features of Kiwano:
- branched vine with creeping creeping stems reaches 5-9 m in height;
- shoots are thin and fragile, with many antennae;
- leaves are large, three or five-lobed, with a fleecy surface;
- up to 100-150 ovaries ripen on one liana;
- fruits are yellow-orange in color, oblong, resembling externally a melon, covered with soft thorns;
- the pulp is green, juicy, similar to cucumber;
- Kiwano fruits taste like a melon with hints of cucumber, lime and a banana.
When growing kiwano from seeds, you can get not only a bountiful harvest of tasty and juicy fruits, but also an original ornamental plant.
It can become a bright decoration for the landscape design of any personal plot, used for vertical gardening or decorating verandas, arches and gazebos.
Growing Kiwano from seeds
When growing Kiwano in the Moscow region, it must be borne in mind that most varieties of African cucumber do not tolerate frost. With sudden changes in temperature, the plant slows down its growth and can completely die.
For cultivation on the territory of Russia, it is recommended to use the first domestic Kiwano variety called "Green Dragon", bred by Novosibirsk breeders and zoned for cultivation in all regions of Russia.
The Siberian variety of an exotic plant grows up to 2.5-3.5 m. It takes 76-78 days for the fruits to ripen. The fruits are oblong, yellow, with soft thorns and a pleasant, sweet taste.
Kiwano "Green Dragon" can be grown both in a greenhouse and in the open field, as it even tolerates Siberian frosts well.
Seed preparation
The exotic African cucumber is grown in seedlings. This will require Kiwano seeds, which can be bought at specialty gardening stores or ordered online.
For cultivation in the northern and central regions of Russia, it is best to choose Green Dragon or other frost-resistant varieties.
Before growing Kiwano, you need to properly prepare the seed. To do this, soak it for 24 hours in a sodium humate solution. Also for this purpose you can use with the preparation "Epina-extra" or another similar growth stimulant. Due to this, the seeds are disinfected, their germination increases.
Sowing for seedlings and in open ground
Even in southern latitudes, for growing Kiwano from seeds, you cannot sow them directly into open ground. Spring sowing is accompanied by a high risk of recurrent frost, which young shoots will not tolerate - in this case, all seedlings can be lost.
Kiwano seeds are sown for seedlings from early April to mid-May. Wrap the previously soaked seeds in cheesecloth and place in a warm place for germination for 3 days.Do not forget to systematically moisten the gauze so that the seeds do not dry out.
For planting seeds, prepare plastic containers, peat or flower pots with a diameter of 7-10 cm, as well as a ready-made nutrient substrate. The maximum planting depth is up to 3-4 cm.
Seedling care
Growing Kiwano at home requires the creation of favorable conditions for growing and strengthening seedlings. It is necessary to adhere to the temperature regime not lower than + 25 ° С.
An exotic plant is very fond of light, therefore it needs a long day of light. But African cucumber should not be placed in direct sunlight - this can cause severe burns to young shoots. Do not forget about regular loosening and moistening of the soil.
Transplanting seedlings into open ground
Transplanting kiwano seedlings into open ground is carried out in 25-30 days - it depends on the speed of its growth and rooting. It is very important to choose the right place for an exotic plant that is prone to rapid growth.
For growing African cucumber, it is best to choose flat, warm and calm areas, places under walls or mesh fences. For a kiwano, you need to equip an additional support.
You should not plant a vine under the crowns of large trees - a lack of sunlight will lead to a decrease in its yield.
When planting, you need to take into account not only the rapid growth of a tropical plant, but also a powerful, spreading root system. That is why a distance of at least 15-60 cm must be left between the vines.
Kiwano care
Kiwano needs standard care - regular watering, loosening, weeding and preventive treatments for diseases and pests.
The African cucumber needs frequent watering - the plant needs to be moistened at least 3 times a week. On hot summer days, when the soil under the vine dries up and cracks. It needs to be watered every day.
Kiwano does not tolerate drought very well and will burn to die without moisture. Watering is desirable in the early morning or late evening. Do not moisten the vine in the sun, as this will burn its leaves and stems.
When caring for Kiwano, it is important to regularly loosen the soil and weed from weeds. This improves the access of oxygen and nutrients to its root system. A dry crust on the surface of the soil is a sign of the need for loosening. It is also best done before sunrise or after sunset.
Top dressing
The share of active growth and good fruiting Kiwano is fertilized every 12-15 days.
For this purpose, you can use both organic and mineral fertilizers.:
- mullein with water (in a ratio of 1: 5);
- chicken droppings - it must be infused for 7 days and diluted with water (in a ratio of 1:15);
- fertilizers for squash and cucumber pumpkins - Agricola, Fertika, BioHumus, BioMaster.
To feed the African cucumber, you can use the complex mineral fertilizers Azofoska, Stimul, Aquarin, Signor Tomato, Ammophos, Crystalon, Plantafol.
Topping
When growing kiwano, a garter of curly vine stems to supports or special vertical trellises is required. The plant can be tied up similarly to a cucumber, directing the bulk up. This technique is great for growing in small areas.
Also, the tops of the lateral vigorous shoots, on which male-type flowers grow, are necessarily pinched. Plucking the lashes is carried out to the ovary, with the simultaneous removal of barren flowers.
Run the African cucumber in the desired direction and tie with a soft cloth. Liana can be grown without a garter, but in this case, the plant will need a lot of space.
When growing Kiwano in a greenhouse, a garter is required.
Kiwano is an exotic fruit that has not only interesting, original taste, but also health benefits. A beautiful liana can be used in landscape design, for decorating the walls of buildings, gazebos and arches.Subject to the basic rules of agricultural technology, each summer resident will be able to grow a kiwano on his own plot.