Bitter Gourd Seeds - Dark Jade - Hybrid

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How to Grow Dark Jade - Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourds prefer warmer temperatures and should be planted in the late spring or early summer after all danger of frost has passed. Germination requires temperatures above 65 degrees F. For best germination results, sprout seeds indoors by soaking in water for 24 hours. Wrap in a wet paper towel and keep warm (75-85 degrees F). Prepare fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location after the last frost. Plant outdoors ½” deep when seeds sprout. Keep soil moist and fertilize when needed. Training vines to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest.

Harvesting Bitter Gourd

This bitter melon can be harvested at 55-60 days, but it can also be harvested earlier for leafy shoots. It is ideal to harvest bitter melons slightly immature when the fruits are firm and before they change color. The lighter the color, the less bitter the fruit will be.

The more you harvest from the vine, the more the plant will produce.

Culinary Tips

Young fruits are delicious in soups and salads. The fruits are also delicious when lightly fried, stuffed with meat, in soup, or stir-fried with fermented black beans and pork. Immature leaves and shoots are also edible and delicious when quick fried or leaves can also be used to make tea. Recommended as a healthy food by the American Diabetic Association.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you are struggling with low germination rates, try scarifying the seed coat by snipping the very outer edge of the seed in order to allow more water inside."

- Maddie Frost, True Leaf Market, Garden Writer

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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