Description

Momordica charantia
Packet: 7 seeds

Syn: Bitter Gourd / Pinyin / Pare / Paakharkaai / Kaakarakaya / Karela

The bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or balsam pear, is a type of gourd native to Asia. This Japanese bitter melon has warty, green skin and is typically harvested young, at 28-32cm, when it is at its best flavour. The flesh of the bitter gourd is crisp and tender, making it a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes. The vine of the bitter gourd can climb up to 4m and produces yellow flowers. Bitter gourds prefer a warm climate and some humidity to grow.

They are very easy to grow & easy to maintain. The plant can produce an abundance of small-sized bitter melons for a few months if you give the plant sufficient fertiliser and water well.

Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours or gently clip the seed to help the seed germinate. Sow in spring after frost at 25mm deep. Germinate in 1-2 weeks at 25-35°C. Space 60cm apart. Maturity in 9-10 weeks. 4m long vines. Need support.