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Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

vine☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 10bZone 12b

A vigorous tropical vine producing distinctive warty, cucumber-like fruits with a bitter flavor commonly used in Asian cuisine. Requires warm growing conditions and benefits from vertical support or trellising.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
3–6′ tall × 3–8′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 10bZone 12b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 10b to Zone 12b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SummerFall

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Tropical Africa and Asia

Function & Care

ediblemedicinalpollinator nectary

Edible Parts

fruitleafseed

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
moderate
Years to Bearing
1 years
Propagation
seed