How Do You Grow Bitter Melon?
Updated on
September 9, 2023

Growing Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a popular garden vegetable with a reputation for being difficult to grow. It's an annual, which means it needs sunlight in order to grow. In fact, it doesn't do well in shady conditions, so try growing bitter melon where there is plenty of natural light. The plant has very strong spines and can be rough to the touch if you aren't careful. Since it's so thorny and prickly, you should also make sure that your garden border has enough space around the melon plants so that they don't get crowded down by their neighbors (also known as "carnivorous plants"). Bitter melon does best when it's grown in full sun. It will grow quickly and reach its largest size of about 4 feet in about 6 weeks after planting. You can expect the fruit to be about 1 ½ inch across and red or purple in color if you plant them during the summer months. If you're looking to grow your own bitter melons but aren't quite ready for the challenge yet, check out some tips on how to grow bitter melons from sources experienced with them.
How Do You Grow Bitter Melon?
Choose the Right Location
Plant bitter melon in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It thrives in warm climates, so consider providing it with a trellis or support for vertical growth if needed.
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. Add organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve the soil's fertility and drainage.
Planting the Seeds
Sow the seeds in spring, after the last frost. Dig a small hole about 1 inch deep and place 2-3 seeds. Cover the hole with soil and water gently.
Watering and Maintenance
Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. Bitter melon requires about 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. This helps promote vigorous growth and fruit production.
Pest and Disease Control
Monitor for pests like aphids or spider mites. Use organic insecticides or beneficial insects to control them. Prevent fungal diseases by providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Harvesting
Harvest bitter melon when they reach the desired size, typically 3-5 inches long. Cut the fruit from the vine using a sharp knife or pruners. Handle with care, as the skin can be easily damaged.
Storage and Cooking
Store freshly harvested bitter melon in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reduce bitterness, soak the fruit in saltwater for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Try stir-frying, adding to soups, or stuffing for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Choose The Right Site For Your Bitter Melon Garden
One of the most important things you can do for your bitter melon is to choose the right site for your garden. This is true for more than just growing bitter melon. It's true for everything you plant! It's also important to choose the right site for your vegetable garden. You don't need to be an expert in gardening to know this, but it's true nonetheless. If you're not sure where to plant your melon, try to plant in a location that gets at least some sun. It will help to plant in locations that get full sun during the day, but not so much during the night that your melon can't grow. Also, if possible, try to plant your melon in soil that is not too rich in sand or other materials that will get in the way of your plants' growth.
Plant Bitter Melons Early So They Can Out Grow Their Spines
one of the most effective ways to combat the spines on bitter melons is to plant them early in the spring. you can expect to see most of them growing by early may if you start planting in early march. you can start planting in early march at the latest to get your melons finished in time for summer. if you want to get creative with your planting, you can plant your bitter melons in a monoculture of tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables that get regular water and fertilization. once you have a good idea of where your melons are going to grow, plant them there! if you plant in late march or early april, your melons will be big enough to handle the hot summer weather and will be ready for harvest in about two weeks. before you pick them, though, you should examine the plants thoroughly to make sure they're healthy and none of the spines have popped out. if any of them have, dig them up, strip off the leaves and spines and put them in a plastic bag or the like, and store them in the refrigerator.
Mulch Or Keep The Soil Damp To Control Weeds
when you plant in soil, you're actually creating a situation normal. the soil is going to be very moist and stay that way for a long time, which means you will have a lot of weeds. in fact, if the soil is not kept damp, weeds will be able to grow as tall as your melon plants! keeping the soil where it's supposed to be, though, is a little easier with mulch. you can tie sticks, leaves, and other things around the plant to provide a barrier against water loss and weed growth. you can also place a cloth over the top of the plant so that only the top part is exposed to the air. if you want to get really creative, you can place polythene (or other plastic) bags over the styrofoam boxes you grew your melons in and your produce will be able to grow undisturbed!
Provide Support With Stakes, Cables, Or Ropes
this is probably the most important thing you can do for your bitter melon. you need to put some support in place so that your plant doesn't just sit there and take it. if you grow pomegranates, for example, you need to put some support in place so that the pomegranate doesn't fall over and crack from the weight of the fruits. you can use things such as twine, plastic bags, wooden stakes, or even your own body to provide this support.
Provide Enough Light For Your Plant To Grow Happily
another thing you need to make sure your plant has is light. you need to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs in order for it to grow and produce. you can check out our article on growing tomatoes under different light conditions for more ideas on how to grow tomatoes.
Add A Little Moisture When The Nights Are Dry And The Mornings Are Hot
another thing you need to make sure your plant has is moisture. when the nights are dry and the mornings are hot, the chances of your plant reaching maturity are reduced. you should take this as a sign to water your plant please. it will be happy and productive if you provide it with water during these times.
Provide Good Drainage So That Your Plants Can Get All The Water They Need
when it comes down to it, your plant's health and productivity are tied to how well you are managing the water in your garden. while it's true that some plants prefer soil with little or no drainage, most can handle being kept partially in water — and in fact, they prefer it! leafy plants, for example, prefer to be kept in water to flower, fruit and seed. woody plants such as trees, vines and cacti also need water to sprout new leaves and new shoots and to complete the necessary processes of photosynthesis. if you keep your plants in water, they will be able to produce a greater volume of healthy, delicious vegetables.
Rototill Often To Help Keep Your Plants In Top Condition
as if growing bitter melon wasn't hard enough, imagine trying to grow it in a pots. growing a melon in a pots is very similar to growing it in the ground, but you need to be very careful. if you leave the soil in the pots too long, the roots will become too dry and the plants will not be able to properly nourish themselves and will begin to decline. you should also watch out for pests and diseases that may be introduced to your garden from your pots. it's best to simply pull the plants up out of the pots when you see signs of problems and keep them well hydrated and evenly fertilized.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Bitter Melon
What Is A Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a tropical and subtropical vine known by a variety of names, such as karela, bitter gourd and bitter squash. It is an edible fruit-bearing plant that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Bitter melon has a green and bumpy exterior with a sweet and sour taste.
What Are The Benefits Of Growing Bitter Melon?
Growing bitter melon is beneficial for a number of reasons. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and more. It contains antidiabetic properties and is known to help regulate blood sugar levels. It may have a range of other health benefits, such as aiding in weight loss, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation.
Where Should I Plant Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon prefers a warm, tropical climate with plenty of moisture and a well-draining soil. It needs full sun or indirect light and tolerates temperatures from 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a spot that is sheltered from wind and is close to a water source.
When Is The Best Time To Sow And Harvest?
Bitter melon is typically planted directly outdoor in early spring in most locations. The seeds are usually sown 1/2 - 1 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart. Germination usually occurs in 8-10 days. The plant can be harvested during summer or fall when it reaches maturity. The fruits will range in size and shape and can be harvested when they are green and moderately bitter.
What Type Of Care Must I Provide?
In general, providing enough water and nutrients is critical for the growth and health of the bitter melon plants. Fertilize the plants every couple weeks. Pruning and training the plants can also be beneficial to encourage fruiting. Additionally, to reduce pest issues inspect the plant and remove any infected or damaged leaves.
Bitter melon is a popular summer vegetable with a reputation for being difficult to grow. It's an annual, which means it needs sunlight in order to grow. In fact, it doesn't do well in shady conditions, so try growing bitter melon where there is plenty of natural light. The plant has very strong spines and can be rough to the touch if you aren't careful. Since it's so thorny and prickly, you should also make sure that your garden border has enough space around the melon plants so that they don't get crowded down by their neighbors (also known as "carnivorous plants").