More Information
| Botanical Name |
Momordica charantia |
| Seeds Per Pack |
10 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
8 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
10 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/2 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m) |
| Plant Spacing |
18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F, USDA Zone 10b: to 40F, USDA Zone 11a: to 45F, USDA Zone 11b: to 50F |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested |
| Growth Habit |
Vines & Climbers |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Days to Harvest |
80-90 |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds |
Long White Reishi bitter melon is a heat-loving climbing vine that produces striking, pale white fruits with a faint minty green undertone, often reaching 12 to 16 inches long as they hang like glossy ornaments from a trellis or arbor. Harvest the fruit while it is firm and bright for the best texture and a gentler, more delicate bitterness than many green types. Given full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture, vines take off quickly and typically reach maturity in about 90 days, rewarding you with a steady set of long, elegant gourds. Slice it for stir-fries, soups, and curries, or add a small amount to juices and sautés when you want that classic bitter melon kick with a milder edge.