Bitter Gourd Seeds - Tai Guo - Hybrid

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How to Grow Tai Guo Bitter Gourd

Plant outside after the last frost date has past. Bitter gourd seeds require temperatures of at least 65 degrees F to sprout. For the most pleasing results, wait until it is consistently warm before directly sowing the seeds outdoors. For improved germination rates, pre-germinate seeds indoors by soaking them in water for one day and then wrapping the seeds in a damp towel and keeping them between 75-85 degrees F until they sprout. For more detailed information, read our article about sprouting hard gourd seeds linked below.

Maintain moisture in the soil throughout the growing season. Fertilizers or compost may boost yields. Train the vines to climb vertical supports. Hand pollination is required to produce fruit. To reduce bitterness and slow the ripening process, protect the developing fruits from direct sunlight.

Harvesting Tai Guo Bitter Gourd

Harvest this variety when it is between 7 and 12 inches long. Remove the gourds from the plant before they fully ripen and when they are still firm; they ripen rapidly on or off the plant.

Culinary Tips

These gourds are bitter when uncooked. Before cooking the pith and seeds and removed and then the flesh is cut into slices. Try it in soups and stir-fries. Stuff them with pork, or seafood, or cook them with fermented black beans. The young shoots and leaves are parboiled and rinsed before being cooked like greens.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“This is the fruit that is most commonly made into the delicious Indian dish, khatta meetha karela. Try making it at home!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

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Seeds Per Package

• 2 g packet - Approximately 14 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 195 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 780 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 3,120 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 15,600 Seeds