Organic Bitter Melon Gourd Seeds

Bitter Melon gourd seeds produce deep green fruits with bumpy warted skin. This unique crop is popular worldwide and is especially important in Asian cuisine. Fruits, as they ripen, toughen and become bitter, from which the name derives. Both leaves and gourds are edible. Bitter melon gourds are exceptionally nutritious and have a long history of being used in traditional medicine.

If you are looking for an aggressive growing vine, Bitter Melon is a star! We grew it over hoops to make a fun play space for kids and adults.

These incredible subtropical and tropical vines grow well in hot temperatures and are best grown on a sturdy arbor or trellis.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Squash should be grown in the warm season when soils are at least 70°F.

Zones 2-8

• Direct seed in the spring once soils have warmed.

Planting Bitter Melon Gourd Seeds

• In Zones 9 and 10, you can direct seed or transplant out your squash. We recommend direct seeding into freshly irrigated soils. The large seeds may benefit 
• To direct sow, plant seeds in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Cover with 1″ of finely sifted soil.
• If you are planting seeds in starter pots, plant seeds into thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Place seeds on top of the soil and cover with 1″ of finely sifted soil.
• Once your squash has germinated, and the first set of true leaves show, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. When the plants are 3-4″ tall, you can plant them out into the garden. Space at least 12″ apart.

Growing Bitter Melon Gourd

• Squash should be planted into deeply irrigated, fertile soil. In Zones 9 and 10, adding tons of compost will help create a healthy soil structure and keep moisture in the soil.
• Mulching heavily around your plants will also help with weed suppression and moisture retention.
• Pollination is key to producing squash. You should hand pollinate your squash if you doubt you have good pollination.

Harvesting Bitter Melon Gourd Seeds

• Bitter Melon is best picked at it’s prime ripeness, this is when the fruit is only about 5-6″ long and firm. The fruit ripen very quickly and should be harvested often.

Growing Bitter Melon Gourd Seeds in Containers

• Squash plants like to grow across the ground but alternatively can be grown up a trellis if hanging fruit is supported — such is the case for Bitter Melon gourd plants, which are best grown up a trellis or fence. If growing in a container, make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Southern California Pro-tips

• Mulch heavily around your squash plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or overheat.
• Do not overhead water as this promotes foliar diseases.
• Grow at least two squash plants to ensure good pollination.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Squash are aggressively growing plants that look wonderful with cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers. If you love growing interesting gourds in the garden, be sure to check out our Luffa Gourd. It will wow you and your family!

Additional Learning Resources

• • New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
  • Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
  • Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to squash at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.