{"product_id":"futo-spindle-bitter-gourd-seeds-5-japanese-heirloom-seeds-for-planting","title":"Futo Spindle Bitter Gourd Seeds – 5 Japanese Heirloom Seeds for Planting","description":"\u003cp\u003eFuto Spindle Bitter Gourd is a Japanese heirloom variety prized for its elongated, spindle-shaped fruits and vigorous climbing vines. The bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, produces distinctive warty fruits that are a staple in many Asian cuisines. This open-pollinated heirloom is a favorite among gardeners looking to grow unique and productive vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese seeds offer an opportunity to cultivate a traditional Japanese variety in your own garden. The plants are warm-season annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding growers with an abundance of bitter melons throughout the summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeirloom Japanese variety with elongated, spindle-shaped fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing vines that can reach 6-10 feet or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces bitter melon with characteristic warty, green skin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen-pollinated seeds for saving and sharing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-season annual suitable for trellis growing\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 vegetable 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\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 Grown as an annual in most zones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically 60-70 days from transplant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12-24 inches apart, with trellis support\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 date, or sow directly outdoors once soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Provide a sturdy trellis or support for the vines to climb.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest fruits when they are firm and green, typically 60-70 days after transplanting. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 Futo Spindle Bitter Gourd seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67862012756278,"sku":"FSG-250","price":11.67,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.7584283640_5ovr.jpg?v=1793267909","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/futo-spindle-bitter-gourd-seeds-5-japanese-heirloom-seeds-for-planting","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}