Growing & Reviewing Kiku Chrysanthemum Melon

Name: Kiku Chrysanthemum Melon
Seed source: Baker Creek
Category: Fruit, sweet melon
Germination rate: High
Type: Heirloom
Ideal temperatures: 75-90
Tested in 10A FL
Days to germination: 7-14 days
Date seeds sown: 4/20/25
Date first harvested: 7/10/25
Mature fruit size: about 4-5 inches round
Fruit color: white

Kiku Chrysanthemum Melon (KCM) is a Japanese heirloom melon described to have the taste of Greek yogurt with a hint of Lychee.

My one KCM vine planted in the ground with morning sun and late afternoon shade Appeared to be very productive. Flowering occurs at every nodes that are about five inches apart.

The vine has a hairy fuzz that may itch the skin. Do remember to wear gloves.

First harvest 7/10/25

I came back after a three week vacation and noticed this one Kiku melon vine produced 7 melons. I harvested three of the largest melons, cut in halves, core it, peel it with a knife, cut into small pieces.

Taste profile:

The Kiku melon has a crisp crunchy texture like a crunchy cucumber with a mild sweet flavor compared to the yellow Hami melon. So far, I detect no creamy Greek yogurt taste and definitely do not have a lychee flavor as described by the seed company and other sites.

I would probably grow this right after I abort the cucumber in mid May so the melon can take over the cucumber trellis for the summer time.

Results:

I like this Kiku melon, but not love it, not as sweet as Golden melon but it’s better than eating a raw plain bland crunchy cucumber to me.
Little man likes it.
Husband said it’s just okay since he prefers a sweeter melon.
Daughter said it tasted plain.

I think I will let the other melons ripen further to see if it will increase the sugar content before harvesting again.