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Bitter Melon Seeds for Planting – Heirloom Non-GMO Garden Seeds

Bitter Melon Seeds for Planting – Heirloom Non-GMO Garden Seeds

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Regular price $16.99 USD
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Ordered Aug 31
Order Ready Sep 02 – Sep 04
Delivered Sep 15 – Sep 18
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Key Features

  • Produces distinctive green, ridged fruits with a classic bitter melon appearance.
  • Vigorous climbing vines are ideal for trellises, fences, and sturdy garden supports.
  • Warm-season vegetable suited to sunny home gardens.
  • Performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
  • Young fruits are commonly used in stir-fries, curries, soups, and other cooked dishes.

Growing Benefits

  • Adds an interesting tropical vegetable to the home garden.
  • Vertical growth makes good use of supported garden space.
  • Provides a rewarding crop for gardeners interested in specialty vegetables.
  • Fruits can be harvested at different stages depending on culinary preference.
  • A traditional choice for warm-season vegetable gardens.

Seed Specifications

  • Common Name: Bitter Melon
  • Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
  • Plant Type: Warm-season annual vine
  • Fruit Color: Green
  • Fruit Shape: Elongated with a distinctly bumpy, ridged surface
  • Growth Habit: Climbing vine
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Sunlight: Full sun
  • Soil: Fertile, loose, well-drained soil
  • Water: Regular and consistent
  • Germination Time: Approximately 7–14 days under favorable conditions
  • Sowing Depth: Approximately ½–1 inch
  • Spacing: Approximately 18–36 inches between plants with sturdy support
  • Growing Zones: Best grown as a warm-season annual in USDA Zones 8–11; can be grown seasonally in cooler areas
  • Maturity: Approximately 60–90 days, depending on variety and growing conditions
  • Uses: Stir-fries, curries, soups, stuffed dishes, cooked vegetable recipes, trellises, and home vegetable gardens

Growing Tips

  • Plant after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is consistently warm.
  • Select a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil.
  • Provide a sturdy trellis or fence for the climbing vines.
  • Keep the soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit development.
  • Harvest fruits regularly to encourage continued production.

Seed Storage

Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark location. Keep them sealed in their original packet or an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Unique Facts About Seeds

  • Bitter melon belongs to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae.
  • Its botanical name is Momordica charantia.
  • The fruit is recognized by its deeply ridged and bumpy green exterior.
  • Bitter melon is widely used as a vegetable in many Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines.

Growing Instructions

Planting Season: Sow directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Bitter melon prefers warm growing conditions.

Sowing: Prepare fertile, loose, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Sow seeds near a sturdy trellis, fence, or other climbing support.

Depth: Plant seeds approximately ½–1 inch deep and cover lightly with soil.

Spacing: Space plants approximately 18–36 inches apart, depending on the support system and available space.

Sunlight: Provide full sun with approximately 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid poorly drained locations.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and growth. Water deeply and regularly during flowering and fruit development.

Germination: Seeds commonly germinate within approximately 7–14 days under warm, favorable conditions. Soaking seeds before planting may help improve germination.

Transplanting: If started indoors, transplant carefully once temperatures are warm and the soil has heated. Minimize root disturbance.

Fertilizing: Add compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer before planting if needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may produce abundant foliage with fewer fruits.

Care: Train vines onto sturdy supports and keep the area around young plants free of weeds. Good airflow around the foliage can help maintain healthy growth.

Flowering/Maturity: Small yellow flowers appear before elongated, ridged fruits develop. Fruits commonly begin reaching harvestable size within approximately 60–90 days, depending on variety and conditions.

Harvesting: Pick young, green fruits when they have reached the desired size and before they become overly mature. Use clean garden shears or a knife when harvesting.