Whether you call it bitter gourd, karela, ampalaya, granja, or balsam pear, Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is one of the more exotic seed varieties we carry in the Survival Garden Seed shop. Thanks to your helpful feedback, we’ve learned that the tough, woody seeds sometimes can be challenging for growers in cool or dry conditions.
Our seeds passed germination tests with flying colors, so we had to dive deeper to identify what was going wrong. We discovered that those on our team with the most experience with these seeds live in warmer, more humid environments. We’re currently doing some experiments in our Idaho garden and other diverse growing conditions across the USA. We may refine these instructions further based on our research.
If you’re excited to grow this plant but have had some difficulties getting started, don’t be discouraged. We’re here to help you provide the right growing conditions for your Bitter Melon seeds to germinate and for the seedlings to thrive. The good news is that this tropical vine is quite robust once established, growing quickly and producing plenty of fruit in warm, sunny growing conditions. So let’s get you on the path to success.
Recreating Tropical Conditions
The key to unlocking germination for Bitter Gourd seeds is understanding this is a tropical to subtropical plant that is adapted to growing in hot, humid conditions. The tough outer coating of the seeds protects the baby plant inside from rotting, and it must be broken down before the seed comes out of dormancy. In its native growing region, that would happen naturally through the steamy, hot climate. You can recreate that at home indoors while you’re waiting for the soil to warm up. Check the planting calendar if you need help deciding when to start your seeds.
Pretreating Bitter Melon Seeds
Get your seeds primed for germination by soaking them in hot, but not boiling, water for 24-48 hours. Our seed packets currently recommend 8 hours, but recent research on hydro-priming Bitter Gourd seeds suggests that a longer soak time is more effective and we are creating new packets reflecting that information. You can also scarify the seed coat with a nail file or by breaking open the tough outer shell, but humidity and moisture are the most important factors.
After soaking your Bitter Melon seeds, place them in a row on a damp cloth and roll them up. Place them in a sealed container like a ziplock baggy or a bowl with a lid, and put them on a heat mat to stimulate germination. (Recommendations vary from 75°F to 90°F; we suggest 80°F to be safe.) Check daily for growth, and keep moist. Change the cloth if it begins to get moldy, but germination typically occurs in 7-14 days, so you’ll probably see changes before that happens.
Planting Bitter Melon Seeds
If you live in a naturally warm, humid climate, you may be able to sow these seeds directly outside, but for those of us who can’t replicate tropical conditions, we’ve got a few more steps. Once the seeds have begun germinating, it’s time to move them to a seed starting tray before they fully develop. Handle these sprouting seeds gently to avoid damaging the delicate new growth. Plant them about a half inch deep, and then cover the tray with a humidity dome. Return them to the heat mat. Don’t be tempted to remove the humidity dome or lower the temperature yet; keep them in the hot, moist environment as they develop their first true leaves.
Seedling Stage
Once your Bitter Melon seedlings have two or three sets of true leaves, you’re past the tricky part. You can slowly begin the process of hardening them off, starting with the removal of the humidity dome. Gradually get them acclimated to the conditions of their final growing space. During this time, keep a watchful eye on how the plants are doing, and don’t be tempted to rush.
Transplant carefully and take care not to disturb the delicate roots. Bitter Gourd thrives above 70°F but may struggle in temperatures below 60°F. Rather than plant outside prematurely, wait patiently until the soil is warm enough to move your seedlings outside.
Choose a spot with rich, well-drained soil that receives at least 8 hours of sunlight a day (more is better). Space them at least 24 to 36 inches apart, because these robust vines can reach 10-20 feet when fully grown.
Growing Bitter Melon Vines
Once your plants are established and in the ground, the hard part is over. Here are a few tips for success:
- Keep them fed. Start your plants off in nutrient-rich soil and use compost to feed them as needed.
- Water deeply. Bitter Melon vines need about an inch of water weekly for good fruit development.
- Trellis your plants. Put a strong trellis in the ground before you plant to prevent damage to the roots. Provide support for these climbing vines for better air circulation which helps discourage disease. Trellises also make harvesting much easier.
- Protect them from the cold. If you live in an area with a short growing season, consider growing these annual plants in a hoop house to extend their lifespan.
Harvesting Bitter Melon
Bitter melon matures at variable rates, typically between 60 and 90 days, averaging about 75 days. The indeterminate vines will continue to produce until the temperature drops. Harvest when the fruits are young, green, and no longer than about a foot long. When the skin is shiny, the flesh has a crisp, pleasant texture. If the gourds get too ripe, they’ll turn yellow or orange, becoming softer and too bitter to enjoy.
Your Feedback Matters
When we initially started carrying Bitter Melon, we didn’t anticipate the hurdles some of you encountered with germination. Our seeds are thoroughly tested to meet germination standards, and it was your feedback that helped us understand that there was more to this plant than we realized. We’ve revised our listing on the website. We’re also working on new packaging with updated information to help more gardeners succeed in growing this amazing plant.
