1. Variety selection
When choosing a Kiwano variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation: For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yield and good quality of fruit are selected.
- Winter hardiness: Kiwano is a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate frost. For outdoor cultivation in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose varieties that can withstand short-term frosts.
2. Soil preparation
Kiwano is a light-loving and moisture-loving plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and well-drained place.
The soil for planting kiwano must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic.
3. Landing
Kiwano is planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
Kiwanos are planted in planting holes with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm. A drainage layer of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. Kiwano is planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, kiwano is watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Kiwano is a demanding crop; to obtain a good harvest, the following measures must be taken:
- Watering: Kiwano is a moisture-loving plant, so during the growing season it is necessary to regularly water the plants, especially in hot weather.
- Fertilizing: During the period of active plant growth, 3-4 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase, the fourth - in the phase of shoot growth after harvesting.
- Pruning: To form a kiwano bush, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases: Kiwano is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.
5. Harvest
Kiwano begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Kiwano fruits ripen in September-October. The ripening of kiwano fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Kiwano fruits are harvested by hand, cutting them off with the stalk.
6. Diseases and pests
Kiwano is susceptible to the following diseases:
- Powdery mildew
- Rust
- Anthracnose
Kiwano is susceptible to the following pests:
- Aphids
- Raspberry fly
- Raspberry beetle
Additional Tips
- To obtain an earlier harvest, kiwano can be grown as seedlings. Kiwano seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of kiwano, you can grow it in beds mulched with straw or sawdust.
To obtain a good harvest, it is necessary to follow the agricultural techniques for growing kiwano.
Additional information
- Kiwano is a hybrid of cucumber and melon.
- Kiwano fruits have a sweet and sour taste and are used fresh, as well as for preparing various dishes and drinks.