Momordica charantia
Pack: 6 seeds
Also Known As: Bitter Gourd / Pinyin / Pare / Paakharkaai / Kaakarakaya / Karela
This Japanese variety produces long, green, warty-skinned bitter gourds, best harvested young at 28-30cm for optimal flavor.
The fruit is crisp and tender. The vine can grow up to 4 meters, with yellow flowers. Being a tropical plant, it thrives in warm, humid conditions. Bitter gourd is also called bitter melon, karela, and balsam pear in various Asian cultures.
It's easy to grow and maintain, producing plenty of small bitter melons over several months with proper fertilization and watering.
For best results, plant after the frost has passed. Seeds require a minimum of 20°C to germinate. For better germination, soak seeds for a few hours before planting. Sow 20mm deep in a sunny, well-drained spot, spaced 90cm apart. Seeds sprout in 10-14 days. Harvest approximately 65-70 days after transplanting.
