Momordica Species, Balsam Pear, Bitter Apple, Bitter Cucumber, Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon
Momordicacharantia

Family: Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Momordica (mo-MOR-di-ka)
Species: charantia (char-AN-tee-a)

Category
Vines and Climbers

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage

Foliage Color

Height
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Gold (yellow-orange)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive

Soil pH requirements

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds