{"product_id":"15-heirloom-bitter-melon-seeds-fast-growing-green-gourd","title":"15 Heirloom Bitter Melon Seeds – Fast-Growing Green Gourd","description":"\u003cp\u003eBitter melon (\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fast-growing tropical vine prized for its deeply ridged, green fruits and vigorous climbing habit. Also known as bitter gourd or karela, this heirloom variety produces elongated, warty gourds that are a staple in many Asian and Caribbean kitchens. The plant's lush foliage and small yellow flowers also make it an attractive addition to trellises, fences, and garden arches.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you're growing for the kitchen or simply to enjoy its unique appearance, bitter melon is a rewarding crop for warm-season gardens. The vines are productive and can quickly cover a support structure, providing both edible harvests and ornamental value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom variety with characteristic deeply ridged, green fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing vine that performs well on trellises or fences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces small yellow flowers before the gourds develop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast-growing annual in most climates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-purpose: edible fruit and ornamental foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual vine (tropical perennial in frost-free zones)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Climbing vine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9-11 as perennial; grown as annual elsewhere\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer to fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vines can reach 6-10 feet with support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm soil (70-85°F); soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to improve germination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-24 inches apart along a trellis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStart seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors once soil has warmed. Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting can help soften the hard seed coat and speed germination. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence for the vines to climb, as they can become heavy with fruit. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting, and mulch to retain moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBitter melon thrives in heat and requires a long, warm growing season. Fertilize lightly at planting and again when flowering begins. Monitor for common pests like aphids and caterpillars. Harvest gourds when they are firm and green, typically 50-70 days after sowing, before they turn yellow and split.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 Heirloom Bitter Melon Seeds\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67836003418422,"sku":"FOLIA2-1662","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6778637652_p9fh.jpg?v=1793097096","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/15-heirloom-bitter-melon-seeds-fast-growing-green-gourd","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}