Bitter Gourd Seeds - Bitter Green - Hybrid

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Other Common Names: African cucumber, alligator pear, amargoso, ampalaya, balsam pear, bitter cucumber, karella, bitter melon, daun peria katak, dau peria, foo gwa yip, fu gua, fu kwa, fwa kwa, jin li zhi, karawila, karela, kaveli, kho qua, ku gua, la kho qua, lao pu tao, maha, mara, muop dang, niga uri, palia, pare, pare pahit, paria, peria, peria katak, phakha, reishi, ssunoi, or tsuru reishi.

How to Grow Bitter Green Bitter Gourd

Plant outside when the risk of frost is past. Bitter gourd prefers temperatures of at least 65°F for germinating. Wait until it is consistently warm before direct sowing outdoors. For improved germination rates, pre-germinate seeds inside by soaking them in water for a day. Then, cover the seeds in a damp paper towel and keep them warm (75-85°F). For more detailed information, see our article and video about sprouting hard gourd seeds below.

Maintain moisture in the soil during the growing time. Add fertilizer if needed; train to climb a vertical support for more air circulation and an easier harvest. Hand pollination is a must. To lessen the bitterness, prevent pest damage, and slow the ripening process, shield the developing fruits from direct sunlight with a paper bag.

Harvesting Bitter Green Bitter Gourd

Harvest this variety when it is between 5 and 13 inches long. Cut the bitter gourds from the plant before they are ripe; they should still be firm but, ripening happens quickly.

Culinary Tips

These gourds are very bitter before being cooked. Remove the seeds and pith, and then cook the slices as desired. Bitter melons are stuffed and used in soups and stir-fries. The young shoots and leaves should be parboiled and then rinsed before being cooked like greens.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“Anyone who has spent significant time in Southeast Asia has a soft spot for bitter melon. Bring that nostalgia to your garden this year!”

- 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