Thorn melon fruit is an emerging
agribusiness activity which is a fast expanding . Growing thorn melon
in Kenya
has since time immemorial happened wildly particularly in the hot areas like
sagana in kirinyaga and the coast province. The fruit has a good taste and
makes nice juice. The fruit has a high demand and good local market prices due
to its numerous medicinal attributes.It is said to be good for
management of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. It is locally variously called passion mwitu,
parachichi mwitu or passion lenye tete maji. The Fruit shares many
characteristic with passion other than the spikes on the skin. To establish a
plot of the crop start by extracting seed from healthy looking fruits. Choose a
well developed ripe fruit from the vine. Scoop-out the contents consisting of seed and
pulp, and plant the seed in the nursery directly.
Seed germination while
growing thorn melon in Kenya
may be improved by softening the seed coat. Allow the seed together with the
pulp to ferment for 1 to 3days in a plastic container. The fruit seed is
then thoroughly washed after which it is dried in the shade and sown as soon as
possible. Improve seed germination by priming which is soaking the seed in warm water for one
hour before planting while growing thorn melon in Kenya. Water the seeds using a fine mist from a hand held
sprayer or watering can. Continue watering about twice a day ensuring good
drainage of excess water.
While
growing thorn melon in Kenya ,
seeds can be planted in trays or seedbed. Once germinated and having two true
leaves they are transplanted to bags or bigger trays to ensure more space so
that the root don't become entangled as the seedling grows. Harden off the
seedlings before they are transplanted to the field by setting them out of the
shade in the growing area for 2-3 days. Select vigorous seedlings free
from nematodes and fungal diseases when growing thorn melon in Kenya . maturity
period of growing thorn melon in Kenya is about 4months.