5 Seeds Bitter Melon Momordica charantia Bitter Gourd Heirloom Vine Vegetable Garden

Bitter melon is a warm-season vining vegetable grown for its distinctive ridged, warty fruits and vigorous climbing habit. Also known as bitter gourd, it produces elongated green fruits that mature to yellow-orange, and the plant is a popular choice for trellises, garden fences, and containers in warm climates.

The fruits are commonly harvested young for culinary use in stir-fries, soups, and stuffed dishes across many Asian cuisines, while the fast-growing vines also serve as an ornamental screen on arbors and trellises. For best results, provide a warm sunny site, consistent moisture, and a sturdy support structure for the vines to climb.
Species: Momordica charantia
Type: Annual vine
Plant_Habit: Climbing, vining
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, fertile, loamy
Days_to_Harvest: 55-70
Zones: 4-11 (grown as annual in cooler zones)
Germination: 7-14 days at 70-85F
Sowing: Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil warms
Spacing: 12-24 inches apart
Notes: Soaking seeds 24 hours before sowing may aid germination