Bitter Melon Seeds - Bitter Gourd - Momordica charantia

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Bitter Melon is grown as a tender, warm-season annual in all zones. It is a true tropical plant that requires heat to thrive and is extremely sensitive to frost.

Best performance in Zones 7-11 where the summers are long, hot, and humid, providing the ideal conditions for a vigorous, extended harvest season.

Northern Zones (2-6) - It is essential to start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost to give the plants a necessary head start. Transplant out only when the weather is warm and settled, and choose the sunniest, most protected spot in your garden.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11) - This is where Bitter Melon thrives. Direct sow seeds after the soil is thoroughly warm. The plants will grow rapidly and produce prolifically throughout the long summer and into the fall.

Soil Temperature - Requires very warm soil to germinate. The soil temperature must be consistently at least 70 degrees F, with optimal germination occurring between 75-90 degrees F.

Growing Season - Requires a long, warm, frost-free season of at least 90-120 days for a full, productive harvest. The first fruits can be ready in as little as 60-70 days from transplanting.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
In short-season climates (Zones 2-6), start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before your last expected frost date. In warmer climates, direct sow into the garden once all danger of frost has passed and the soil is very warm (consistently above 70 degrees F).

Where to Plant:
Full sun is non-negotiable. Bitter melon needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. It also requires fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a very strong, tall trellis (at least 5-6 feet high) for the vigorous vines to climb.

How to Plant:

Seed Prep: The seed coat is tough. To dramatically improve germination, gently nick the side of the seed with a nail clipper or file, then soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting.

Sowing: Plant the prepared seeds 1 inch deep. If starting indoors, use individual pots. If direct sowing, space seeds 12 inches apart along the base of your trellis.

Transplanting: Handle seedlings with care to minimize root disturbance and transplant them to the garden on a warm, overcast day.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and plentiful water, especially during flowering and fruiting. These plants are native to humid regions and do not like to dry out. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.

Fertilizing: Bitter melon is a heavy feeder. Amend the soil generously with compost before planting. Feed the vines with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Trellising: As the vines grow, gently guide them onto the trellis to encourage them to climb. Good air circulation is important for preventing fungal diseases.

Pruning (Optional): To encourage more lateral, fruit-bearing branches, you can pinch off the main growing tip of the vine once it reaches the top of the trellis.

Harvesting: This is key for continued production. Harvest the fruits when they are green, firm, and about 6-10 inches long (depending on the specific variety). Do not wait for them to turn yellow, as they will be past their prime for eating. Use a knife or shears to cut the fruit from the vine. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage the plant to produce more.