Kiwano - African Horned Cucumber

I started this plant last January and grew it in the house until it was planted outside when the weather warmed up. I planted it in a large raised bed (about 16 foot by 4). It took off and is pretty much taking over that whole area. The problem is that I cannot reach in and get stuff off the other plants without touching this one. The vines have tiny sharp spines on them that break off into your skin when you touch it. It is almost like a cactus. For as big as it is, it does not have many fruits on it and they are not ripe as of yet (August). If I was to raise this one again i would throw it in the most remote, neglected area of the garden, but never again in a raised bed with more civilized vegetables.

Bought a small one at a local farmers market, grows rapidly, Easy to grow but no fruit yet. Had to separate Audry (Yes from Little Shop of Horrors) from other plants. The runners try to strangle everything and reach out to anyone or thing around it. The plant is fun to watch. It prefers just plain water or ph balanced water, doesn't like added nutrients.

Easy to grow, pretty and smells good but didn't enjoy the taste. I'd still grow it again.

Put seeds in the ground once in 2009 and had volunteers until 2016. Highly recommend trellis. Great for fruit smoothies and self-defense.

This vine grew very well in our garden! It ripened in July/August, when many other plants decide to go on a hiatus in the Texas heat. We ate them when they were immature/green and also when they were mature/orange. My family definitely preferred the immature/green fruit. They tasted just like a cucumber, what a great way to extend your "cucumber" season in places where it gets too hot for normal cucumbers!