CHUXAY GARDEN Momordica Charantia Seed 25 Seeds Edible Bitter Melon Heirloom GMO Free Organic Green Vegetable Bitter Food Crop

Price: $9.99
(as of Feb 04, 2024 16:30:40 UTC – Details)

Momordica charantia, commonly called bitter-melon or ampalaya, is a vigorous, tendril-bearing, frost tender, annual vine of the cucumber family that will grow rapidly to 12-20’ long in a single growing season. It is native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of Asia and Africa. It was introduced into Hawaii where it has naturalized on several of the islands. Rounded dark green leaves (1-4” diameter) have 3-7 deep palmate lobes with sharply toothed margins. Gourd-like yellow flowers (1” diameter) with 5 spreading petals bloom from the upper leaf axils in summer. Flowers are followed by cylindrical, torpedo-shaped, warty fruits (4-8” long) with wrinkled surfaces that ripen from green to yellow to orange at which point they split into three curling segments revealing the inner seed surrounded by showy scarlet pulpy arils. Ripe fruits are ornamentally attractive but malodorous. Young fruits (green or early yellow colored) are a popular vegetable consumed in SE Asia, India, China and Japan. Red mature fruit and seeds are toxic and should not be eaten. Leafy shoot tips are often used as salad greens.
Hardiness zone.2-11
Grow.Bitter melon seeds should be planted ¾ inch deep and spaced 20 inches apart . A trellis, bamboo poles, or wooden stakes should be inserted in the soil close to where the seeds are planted, allowing the vines to climb up.
Bloom Description.Yellow flowers and green to yellow to red fruits.
Note.Red mature fruit and seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.
Self-seeding.Grow from seed and enjoy growing with your family.