Tips on growing Jelly Melon African Horned Kiwano?

[NinjaGamer2022]

I am going to be growing jelly melon for the first time this year.
Has anyone here grown these fruits? Any tips or advice?
I am in Ohio (Zone 6a), I will be planting the seeds as soon as the seeds come in the mail (in about a week).
Do I need a trellis to grow these? I was planning on letting them grow on the ground.
Thank you for your time.

 

[2ndTink]

Had to Google them, those look fascinating! No advice, but post updates on what you end up with!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I am going to be growing jelly melon for the first time this year.
Has anyone here grown these fruits? Any tips or advice?
I am in Ohio (Zone 6a), I will be planting the seeds as soon as the seeds come in the mail (in about a week).
Do I need a trellis to grow these? I was planning on letting them grow on the ground.
Thank you for your time.

I don't think you need a trellis.

Make sure you have nice thick gloves, I've heard those buggers are rather sharp fruitwise. And I've also heard they have a penchant for spreading past where planted.

I don't have first hand experience, I didn't get mine planted in time for this season