How to grow Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Full Sun
High

Bitter melon requires heat and moisture to grow well. Plant in full sun and water frequently and thoroughly. Grow on a trellis or fence to give good air circulation and keep the fruit off the ground.

It can take up to 2 months from seed for bitter melon to flower and fruit under ideal conditions.

In cooler climates flowers may need hand pollination for fruit set.

Transplanting Bitter Melon

Can be sown in pots and later transplanted. Prepare soil with compost and animal manure. Needs a freely draining soil.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Bitter Melon is a tender plant.

Harvesting Bitter Melon

When pods turn yellow they mature and ready for harvest. Young green pods may be harvested for sweeter, or more correctly, less bitter, fruit.

Mature yellow pods frequently split open revealing a red pulp surrounding seeds.

NOTE: THE SEEDS ARE POISONOUS AND MUST NOT BE EATEN.

Seed Saving Bitter Melon

Remove seeds from pulp, allow to dry before storage to prevent mould or rotting.

How long does Bitter Melon take to grow?

These estimates for how long Bitter Melon takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Bitter Melon to germinate?: days
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Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Bitter Melon?: + days
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Days to Maturity How long until Bitter Melon is ready for harvest / bloom?: + 60 days
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Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Bitter Melon?: = days

Other names for Bitter Melon

Bitter Gourd, Bitter Squash, Balsam Pear, Balsam Pear Vine, Balsam Apple, African Cucumber, Goya, Karavella, Caraille, Carilley, Carilla

Momordica charantia L.

Misspellings: Balsampear