{"product_id":"bitter-gourd-seeds-futo-spindle-heirloom-variety-5-seeds","title":"Bitter Gourd Seeds - Futo Spindle Heirloom Variety (5 Seeds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a warm-season vine grown for its distinctive, deeply ridged fruits. The Futo Spindle heirloom variety produces elongated, spindle-shaped fruits with a bumpy, warty texture and a strong, bitter flavor prized in many Asian and Caribbean cuisines. These vigorous vines climb readily on trellises and add a unique, ornamental touch to vegetable gardens with their lush foliage and small yellow flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you are an experienced grower or new to bitter gourd, this heirloom variety offers a rewarding harvest. The fruits are typically harvested young for the best texture and flavor, and the vines can be grown in-ground or in large containers with support.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom variety known as Futo Spindle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces elongated, spindle-shaped fruits with a warty exterior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing vine habit, ideal for trellises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive yellow flowers and lush green foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruits are commonly harvested immature for culinary use\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 Momordica charantia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual vine\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 4-11 (grown as annual)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer to early 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), scarification may help\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-24 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow bitter gourd seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors once soil has warmed. Nick the seed coat and soak in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Plant seeds 1\/2 inch deep in moist, well-drained seed-starting mix. Keep consistently warm and moist until germination, which typically occurs in 7-14 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTransplant seedlings after danger of frost has passed, providing a trellis or sturdy support for the vines to climb. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly once vines begin to run. Harvest fruits when they are young and firm for best culinary quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 Bitter Gourd Seeds (Futo Spindle Heirloom Variety).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67824804790582,"sku":"FOLIA2-1301","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6520580351_m0p2.jpg?v=1793004737","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/bitter-gourd-seeds-futo-spindle-heirloom-variety-5-seeds","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}