Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon Care

Momordica Charantia

What is the plant

Momordica charantia, also known as bitter melon and balsam pear, is a climbing vine with distinctive, delicate foliage and exotic fruit. Native to Southeast Asia, it grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. In colder climates, this fast-growing plant -- which can reach heights of 8 feet in one season -- is often grown as an annual. Some gardeners cultivate the plant for its edible fruit and vine while others simply enjoy the tropical appearance it adds to the landscape.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Regular water is required to keep the soil evenly moist. While the Bitter melon can withstand short periods of drought, keeping it watered regularly will ensure a good yield.
Pruning
The plant produces numerous side shoots, which must be removed to improve yield, remove the side shoots (lateral branches) until the runner reaches the top of the trellis. Leave only 4–6 laterals and cut the tip of the main runner to improve the productivity of the plant.
Fertilizer
Overuse of nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, which could encourage the development of foliage at the expense of fruits. At the time of planting, you can mix slow-release complete fertilizer in the soil. Enriching the soil with compost or well-rotted aged manure and regular inputs of organic matter will be enough later. Still, if your plant is not growing well, you can feed it with liquid vegetable fertilizer once in a month.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Select a warm, sunny planting location with soil that drains well
Soil
Sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with low levels of alkaline is the ideal soil combination for the Bitter melon. A pH range from 6 to 7.1 is the ideal growing chemistry.
Temperature
Grow bitter melons where daytime temperatures average between 75 and 80°F (24-31°C). Plant bitter melons in late spring or early summer. Sow seed outdoors or set out transplants no sooner than two to three weeks after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 to 65°F (15-18°C).