🌿 CUCUMIS AFRICANUS – INDIGENOUS AFRICAN WILD CUCUMBER SEEDS 🌿
🌱 10 Seeds per Pack
Discover one of Southern Africa's fascinating indigenous plants!
Cucumis africanus, commonly known as the African wild cucumber or bitter apple, is a distinctive member of the cucumber family, naturally found in dry regions of Southern Africa.
This hardy, warm-season plant produces unusual oval fruits covered in prominent spines. Young fruits are green with striking pale longitudinal stripes, gradually changing to yellowish shades as they mature.
The plant features attractive yellow flowers, textured green leaves and trailing stems, making it an interesting addition to indigenous gardens, botanical collections and gardens focused on biodiversity.
🌿 Why Grow Cucumis Africanus?
🌱 Indigenous to Southern Africa.
🌱 Fascinating spiny, striped fruits.
🌱 Attractive yellow flowers.
🌱 Suitable for warm, sunny growing conditions.
🌱 An interesting addition to indigenous plant collections.
🌱 Open-pollinated seeds suitable for seed-saving.
⚠️ Important: The fruits are bitter and should not be eaten without reliable species-specific safety guidance. This plant is offered primarily for botanical and ornamental cultivation.
🌱 GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
1. When to Sow
Sow during spring and summer once temperatures are consistently warm and all danger of frost has passed.
2. Seed Preparation
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours before planting if desired. This may help hydrate the seed coat.
3. Planting
• Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep.
• Use well-draining sandy or loamy soil.
• Keep the growing medium lightly moist, never waterlogged.
• Sow in individual pots or directly into prepared garden beds.
4. Germination
• Ideal warm conditions: approximately 22–30°C.
• Allow approximately 1–3 weeks for germination, although results may vary.
• Maintain consistent warmth and moderate moisture.
5. Sunlight
Grow in full sun, preferably receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
6. Watering
Water regularly while seedlings establish. Once established, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging.
7. Growth and Spacing
Allow approximately 60–100 cm between plants to accommodate their spreading growth habit.
Provide space for stems to trail naturally.
8. Harvesting Seeds
Allow healthy fruits to mature fully on the plant. Remove the seeds, rinse away the surrounding pulp and dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place.
🌿 SUPER SPROUT SEEDS
Heirloom & Open-Pollinated Seeds
🌱 Growing Instructions Included
🇿🇦 Nationwide Delivery Across South Africa
🛒 ORDER ONLINE:
https://supersprout.linkPLANT TODAY. GROW SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY.
