Thorn Melon Farming: Turning Spiky Fruits into Golden Profits

Thorn melon, also known as kiwano or horned melon, is one of those crops that catch your eye long before you even taste it. Its bright orange skin covered with spikes makes it look exotic, but for many Kenyan farmers, it’s becoming more than a curiosity, it’s a steady source of income. With a growing demand in both local and export markets, this fruit is carving its own space in the agribusiness world.

Most Kenyans still see thorn melon as a strange fruit reserved for supermarket shelves, yet it’s now grown across dry and semi-arid areas like Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and parts of Baringo. The plant’s drought tolerance is its secret weapon. While other crops wither in the sun, thorn melon thrives with little water.

A single acre can yield over 10,000 fruits, and each fruit sells for anywhere between KSh 30 and KSh 80 in local markets; or even more when sold directly to health shops or exporters.

Beyond its striking look, the fruit has serious nutritional value. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals that boost immunity, making it a hit among health-conscious consumers. Juice makers, fruit processors, and wellness shops now use thorn melon in their blends.

Preparing the Land

Thorn melon grows best in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Waterlogged soil is a no-go—it leads to root rot. Before planting, farmers should plough deeply and mix in well-decomposed manure. A pH of 6 to 6.5 is ideal. In areas with hard soils, raised beds or ridges improve drainage and fruit quality.

For farmers reusing land that previously hosted cucurbits like cucumbers or watermelons, it’s best to rotate crops. Continuous planting of similar crops increases the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Planting the Crop

Thorn melon can be grown from seeds extracted from ripe fruits or purchased from agro-vet stores. On average, 1 kg of seed can cover an acre, though small-scale farmers can start with much less. Seeds are usually sown in nursery trays or small polythene bags before being transplanted after 3–4 weeks.

Spacing is important. Leave 2.5 meters between rows and about 1.5 meters between plants. This gives enough room for vines to spread and reduces disease spread. Once planted, thorn melon requires staking or trellising to lift the fruits off the ground and improve air circulation.

Managing the Crop

The crop doesn’t demand much attention, but consistency is key. Regular weeding during the early stages prevents competition for nutrients. As the vines grow, they form a dense canopy that naturally suppresses weeds.

Watering should be moderate. Overwatering leads to excessive vegetative growth and fewer fruits. In most semi-arid regions, farmers rely on drip irrigation systems to maintain moisture. Fertilizer application can be light—use DAP during planting and CAN as top dressing when the vines start spreading. Organic manure improves both yield and fruit quality.

Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. A mixture of neem solution and soap water helps keep these pests in check. For diseases like powdery mildew or fusarium wilt, crop rotation and well-drained soils are the best preventive measures.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Thorn melon fruits are ready about 3 to 4 months after planting. Harvesting starts when the fruits turn from green to orange-yellow. The spines should still be firm. Overripe fruits lose market appeal and spoil faster.

Farmers should handle the fruits gently to avoid bruises—thorn melon skin may be tough, but damage affects shelf life. Once harvested, store them in a cool, dry place. Under proper conditions, thorn melons can last up to six months without refrigeration, a major advantage over other perishable fruits.

Market Opportunities

The export market is growing fast. Kenya supplies thorn melons to countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Local supermarkets and fruit vendors in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Mombasa also have steady demand.

One crate (around 25 fruits) can fetch between KSh 1,000 and KSh 2,000, depending on quality and season. Farmers who grade and brand their produce earn even more. Some cooperatives have started pooling supplies for direct export, giving small farmers better bargaining power.

Challenges in Thorn Melon Farming

Despite its potential, farmers face hurdles such as limited access to certified seeds and market information. Transporting the fruits also requires care because of their spikes. Middlemen often take advantage of farmers by offering low farm-gate prices, especially when supply is high.

Access to training is another challenge. Many farmers grow the crop without proper agronomic knowledge, which limits yield and quality. Extension services and county agricultural offices are now trying to fill that gap through field demonstrations and farmer groups.

A Promising Future for Kenya’s Arid Regions

Thorn melon represents more than just another fruit, it’s a symbol of opportunity in areas once considered too dry for farming. With minimal water requirements and a growing market, it fits perfectly into the climate-smart farming movement.

Farmers who embrace it early stand to benefit from a rising wave of demand as consumers turn toward natural and health-focused foods. For Kenya’s dryland farmers, thorn melon might just be the spiky treasure they’ve been waiting for.