Bitter Gourd Seeds - Joy Green - Hybrid

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Other Common Names: Karella, bitter cucumber, balsam pear, alligator pear, margose, ku gua, jin li zhi, lao pu tao, fu kwa, reishi, niga uri, kiuri, bright beautiful lichee, or ugly grape gourd.

How to Grow Joy Green Bitter Gourd

Plant outside in late spring or early summer when the risk of frost is well past. Bitter gourd seeds demand temperatures of at least 65°F (18°C) to germinate. For best results, wait until it is consistently warm before direct sowing outdoors. For improved germination rates, pre-sprout seeds indoors by soaking them in water for 24 hours. Wrap the seeds in a wet paper towel and keep warm (between 75-85°F). For more information, see our article on sprouting hard gourd seeds.

Keep the earth moist throughout the growing season. Fertilize if needed; train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. Hand pollination is a must. To reduce bitterness and delay the fruit from ripening, protect the developing fruits from the sun with a paper bag.

Harvesting Joy Green Bitter Gourd

Harvest this variety when it is between 4 and 11 inches long. Remove bitter gourds from the plant before they are ripe and when they are still firm. Once these begin to ripen, they go quickly.

Culinary Tips

These gourds can be very bitter when uncooked. To prepare it, remove the seeds and pith and then cook or salt. Bitter gourds are frequently steamed or stuffed; traditionally they are filled with fish or meat and served with black fermented soybean paste. The young, tender shoots and leaves should be parboiled and rinsed before being boiled or sauteed like greens.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“In much of Asia, the tendrils are considered a delicacy when quick fried. I believe there is so much variety in garden vegetables that western cultures have yet to fully utilize!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"

Seeds Per Package

• 2 g packet - Approximately 10 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 140 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 560 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 2,240 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 11,200 Seeds