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Bitter Melon Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Row Spacing:36”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:5-10 days
Germination Temperature:75°-85°F
Edible Gourds thrive in heat. Start transplants indoors 4 weeks before setting out 2 weeks after the last frost date (night temperatures must stay above 55°F). Plant 4 seeds per 4" pot or 2 seeds per peat pot in sterile starter mix. Pamper with minimum 65°F temperatures, plenty of light, air circulation and even moisture (never soggy). Harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Keep fragile seedlings untangled. Edible Gourds may also be direct sown 2 weeks after the danger of frost has passed to a sunny, well-draining, rich garden bed (minimum of 55°F overnight). Water regularly. Feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Black plastic sheeting helps warm the soil and reduces weeds. Trellis vines to keep fruit straight. Harvest 3" to 8" long when the fruit is firm, before any orange coloration. Regular picking encourages production.
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
Planting Depth:1/2”
Row Spacing:36”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:5-10 days
Germination Temperature:75°-85°F
Edible Gourds thrive in heat. Start transplants indoors 4 weeks before setting out 2 weeks after the last frost date (night temperatures must stay above 55°F). Plant 4 seeds per 4" pot or 2 seeds per peat pot in sterile starter mix. Pamper with minimum 65°F temperatures, plenty of light, air circulation and even moisture (never soggy). Harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Keep fragile seedlings untangled. Edible Gourds may also be direct sown 2 weeks after the danger of frost has passed to a sunny, well-draining, rich garden bed (minimum of 55°F overnight). Water regularly. Feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Black plastic sheeting helps warm the soil and reduces weeds. Trellis vines to keep fruit straight. Harvest 3" to 8" long when the fruit is firm, before any orange coloration. Regular picking encourages production.
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
