Plant Facts | Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourd

苦瓜

(Momordica charantia)

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Growing Facts

Hong Kong Warm Growing Season (May-August)

At least 6 hours daily under full sun

Moderate amount of water

Melons are quite shallow-rooted, so it needs fairly constant water

Plant in a container that can hold at least 5 gallons of potting soil

Sow the seeds in holes about 0.5 inches deep, and spaced 12 inches apart

Don't grow bitter gourds with potatoes and herbs

Fun Facts

The fruit shifts in color from green to yellow to orange as it ripens and over-ripens

If the Bitter Gourd stays too long on the vine, they will over-ripen, turn all yellow, grow too large, and become bitter

Bitter Gourd has male and female flowers. The female flowers need to be pollinated to produce the fruit

Bitter Gourd is rich in vitamin C, A and folate (which is essential for growth and development in the human body)