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Also known as Bitter Gourd, Balsam Pear, Ku Gua, and Foo Gwah. Bitter Gourd is one of the most popular vegetables in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India and the Philippines. Bitter Gourd, also called Bitter Melon, has an acquired taste. The plant is grown mainly for the immature green fruits although the young leaves and tips are edible.
Bitter melon can be stewed, curried, steamed, braised, pickled or cooked with scrambled eggs. The bitterness is tempered by cooking and served with yogurt on the side. Though not for everyone, many people who try bitter melon for the first time love the flavor. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of banana. Bitter melon is also used in Chinese cooking for its bitter flavor, typically in stir-fries, soups, dim sum, and herbal teas.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
| Botanical Name | Momordica charantia |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate | 8 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate | 10 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/2 in. |
| When to Sow | Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height | 10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m) |
| Plant Spacing | 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Hardiness | USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F, USDA Zone 11a: to 45F, USDA Zone 11b: to 50F |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Danger | Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Growth Habit | Vines & Climbers |
| Soil pH Requirements | 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Days to Harvest | 80-90 |
| Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting | Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds |
| Seeds Per Pack | 10 |
