Momordica charantia
bitter melon
Overview
Momordica charantia is a fast-growing annual climbing vine in the Cucurbitaceae, reaching 6-16 feet (1.8-5 m) in a single warm season and clinging to supports with slender tendrils. The thin, deeply lobed leaves are 1.5-5 inches (4-12 cm) wide with 5-7 lobes and a slightly rough surface. Plants are monoecious, carrying separate yellow male and female flowers about 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across on the same vine. Pollinated female flowers develop into the warty, oblong fruit that gives the plant its culinary use: green and bitter when immature, the fruit ripens to orange-yellow and splits open to reveal seeds wrapped in bright red, sweet arils. The immature fruit is cooked as a vegetable across South and East Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, where the plant is also called bitter gourd or karela. The ripe seeds and their red arils contain compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten, particularly by children and pets, and raw mature fruit is purgative. The vine needs warmth, long days, and a trellis, and it is killed by the first frost. Yields fall sharply in cool summers or shaded sites.
Native Range
Native to the tropics of the Old World, with origins in South and Southeast Asia and tropical Africa. It is now grown and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Momordica charantia is grown on trellises, fences, and arbors as an edible vegetable vine and for its warty ripening fruit. It suits vegetable gardens and large containers with vertical support in warm regions. The immature fruit is used in stir-fries, curries, and soups.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 16'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering begins about 5-6 weeks after sowing and continues through the warm season until frost. Yellow male flowers open first, followed by female flowers that carry a small immature fruit at the base. In long, hot summers a single vine flowers and fruits for several months.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Momordica charantia grows in full sun in warm, frost-free conditions on fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It needs consistent moisture and regular feeding to sustain rapid growth and fruiting, with a sturdy trellis or fence for the tendrils to climb. Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil above 68 degrees F (20 C); in cool climates they are started indoors and transplanted after the last frost. Fruit is harvested young and green, before it ripens and softens. The vine is an annual that dies at first frost and is replanted each year. Powdery mildew and cucumber beetles can affect the foliage in humid weather.Pruning
Pinch the growing tips once vines reach the top of their support to encourage side branching and more flowers. Remove dead or mildewed foliage during the season to improve air flow.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons