Detailed Explanation of the Cultivation Techniques and Management Methods for the Kiwano (Horned Melon)

The seeds of the kiwano are covered in a gelatinous substance, and the rind is rich in vitamin C and plant fiber. Let's take a look below at the cultivation techniques for kiwano.

I. Sowing Period

The sowing period for the horned melon varies depending on the insulation and covering conditions during the seedling-raising period.

Under covering conditions, taking the provinces in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River as an example:

Insulation measure | Sowing period | Transplanting period | Time to market

Open-field planting | Mid-April | Mid-May | Mid-to-late September

Single-layer covering | Early March | Late April | Late August

Double-layer covering | Mid-to-late February | Mid-April | Mid-to-late July

Triple-layer covering | Early-to-mid February | Late March to early April | Late June to early July

II. Seed Treatment

Before sowing kiwano seeds, simple disinfection treatment, low-temperature or alternating-temperature treatment, and soaking seeds in trace elements, etc., are required.

1. Seed soaking and germination promotion

After the seeds have been treated, place them under conditions of 28-30°C to promote germination. They will sprout in about 24 hours. During this time, the seeds should be washed 2-3 times to remove substances that inhibit germination and to promote gas exchange.

2. Seedbed

Seedbed soil formula: 30% decomposed pig and cattle manure, 20% aged stove ash, 10% decomposed night soil, 40% peat soil. Another formula: 50% decomposed animal manure, 10% aged stove ash, 20% decomposed night soil, 20% peat ash. To each square meter of the above mixed nutrient soil, add 4 kg of superphosphate, 1 kg of plant ash, and 1 kg of ammonium nitrate.

III. Seedling Stage Management

Sow the pre-germinated seeds in a sand box, first watering thoroughly, then covering with 1 cm of sand after sowing, and covering with agricultural film or woven fabric for insulation. Keep the temperature inside the sand box at 28-30°C. Seedlings will emerge successively after 24 hours. When 80% of the seeds have emerged, lower the temperature appropriately to prevent leggy growth, to 20-25°C during the day and 16-17°C at night.

Another method is to directly sow the germinated kiwano seeds into seedbed soil prepared from peat soil and garden soil inside an insulated shed. When the seedlings grow to 10-20 cm, transplant them directly, with temperature control the same as the above method.

IV. Timely Seedling Transplanting

The best time to transplant horned melon seedlings into seedling nutrient pots is when the cotyledons have fully unfolded, that is, on the 4th day after the cotyledons open, around the 8th day after sowing. This is the optimal time for transplanting. At this point, the stored nutrients in the seeds have been basically used up, and the plant begins to rely on root absorption of nutrients for growth. If transplanting is too late, the seedling period is prolonged. After the cotyledons have fully unfolded, they are prone to nutrient deficiency, and the seedlings easily age, which is a phenomenon that commonly occurs in production today. At the same time, the number of transplanting operations should not be excessive; once is appropriate. The germinated seeds can also be directly sown into seedling pots without transplanting, reducing root damage.

V. Management During the Mature Seedling Stage

When the first true leaf of the kiwano unfolds, it enters the mature seedling stage. The soil should be kept at a certain humidity and a relatively high low temperature (15-20°C). During the seedling stage, depending on the nutritional status, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be applied as a foliar fertilizer, and carbon dioxide gas fertilization can also be carried out. This should be done 1 hour after the sun comes up in the morning, and the temperature should be rapidly raised to 28-30°C.