Seed – Bitter Melon

Description

Planting/Growing Bitter Melon Discussion:

We are offering the same species of bitter melon, which are very unique in appearance. They are used medicinally for their bitterness, which can vary in melons of the same vine. The younger the melon is, the more bitter it may be. The bitter taste is from the natural quinine content. In Asia, Panama, and Columbia, they are used as medicine to support Malaria. They are native to South America, Asia, India, and Africa. In the United States, it is more known for its anti-parasitic qualities but in other countries, it is used for its Malarial support.

They say that upon first tasting bitter melon, your mouth may pucker. Yet you may acquire a taste and become somewhat addicted to it over time. The bitterness comes from the natural quinine content.

Bitter Melon, Momordica charantia, share the same botanical name and the only differences are their colors and the white is considered rarer. The melons are oblong and have a bumpy, warty appearance. Inside, they are spongy with seeds that turn red as it matures. It grows in zones 8-11, although it may grow best in zones 9-11.

Soak the seeds overnight before planting. Place them around 1/2 inch deep, in any good potting soil and keep them moist until they germinate, which normally takes about 7 days. Plant them 1 ft. apart, to be transplanted once they begin to grow. The growing plants should be spaced 6 feet apart. Vines may grow up to 16 ft. long.

It can grow quite large, in the right conditions. They like full sun and the support of growing on a fence or trellis. Growing them off of the ground will help to prevent loss by root rot. As long as they get 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, the vines will grow towards sunny spots.

Bitter melon produces both male and female flowers. Male flowers will be produced first, around 3 weeks after planting. Then you should see female flowers, which are swollen at the base, as if a tiny melon is beginning to grow. Insects like bees will come to pollinate the flowers. The flowers only live for one day. They open in the morning and close up at night, falling off the vine. I like to collect them every night, to make a tea with them.

A fertilizer of manure is reported back as a favorite of growers. Once they are overly mature, they burst open, to disperse seeds throughout the garden. They can be harvested as soon as two months. It may be hard to tell when they are ready to pick. Most harvest when there are signs of yellowing. If it is completely yellow, it is over ripe, which may affect the texture of the flesh inside and it becomes less bitter. Remember, many use it medicinally for its bitterness. A ripe bitter melon s normally 4-6 inches long. Once the melons begin to ripen, you may be able to harvest them every few days. The more you pick, the more that may form. A ripe melon should be firm.

They discuss different possible pests and diseases on other websites, commonly the same ones that affect other melons, such as squash. Although I have been growing bitter melon for nearly 5 years now, on a fence, and have never had any issues. If you happen to see pests, such as striped beetles, or any possible signs of disease, a quick internet search can help with solutions.

We carry Bitter Melon tinctures, colloidal tinctures, glycerites, herbal tea, loose powder, and capsules, elsewhere on this site. To purchase one, or to read about the possible benefits of Bitter Melon, Click Here.

Happy Planting!!!