60 to 70 Days to maturity. Momordica charantia. Bitter Gourd Seeds - Futo - Spindle. Non-GMO Annual Heirloom. Originally from Japan, this warm season annual is vigorous and easy to grow. A member of the cucumber family, this climbing vine is large and produces yellow flowers that can be harvested as leafy shoots or as the mature 7-8” heavily textured, dark green fruits. This heat tolerant vine grows up to 12’ long. It is also widely grown in Japan and other tropical countries throughout Asia. It’s rich nutrient content links it to many health benefits. ~ 113 seeds / oz.
Gourd Seeds, Bitter - Futo - Spindle
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Other Common Names: African cucumber, alligator pear, amargoso, ampalaya, balsam pear, bitter cucumber, bitter gourd, bitter melon, daun peria katak, dau peria, foo gwa yip, fu gua, fu kwa, fwa kwa, jin li zhi, karawila, karela, kaveli, kho qua, ku gua, la kho qua, lao pu tao, maha, mara, muop dang, niga uri, palia, pare, pare pahit, paria, peria, peria katak, phakha, reishi, ssunoi, tsuru reishi.
How to Grow Futo - Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourds prefer warmer temperatures and should be planted in the late spring or early summer after all danger of frost has passed. Germination requires temperatures above 65 degrees F, but best results are achieved when it is consistently warmer than that if direct sowing outdoors. Prepare fertile, well-draining soil in a sunny location after the last frost. For best germination, sprout seeds indoors by soaking in water for 24 hours. Wrap in a wet paper towel and keep warm (75-85 degrees F). Plant outdoors ½” deep when seeds sprout. Keep soil moist and fertilize when needed. Better air circulation and ease of harvest is achieved by training vines to climb a vertical support.
Harvesting Bitter Gourd
This bitter melon can be harvested at 60-70 days, but it can also be harvested earlier for leafy shoots. It is ideal to harvest bitter melons slightly immature when the fruits are firm and before they change color.
The more you harvest from the vine, the more the plant will produce.
Culinary Tips
Young fruits are delicious in soups and salads. The fruits are also delicious when lightly fried, stuffed with meat, or stir-fried with fermented black beans and pork. Immature leaves and shoots are also edible and delicious when quick fried. Recommended as a healthy food by the American Diabetic Association.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"To reduce the bitterness of the taste, try removing the skin and seeds or steaming the fruit."
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- Maddie Frost, True Leaf Market, Garden Writer |
Articles on Gourds
"How To Germinate Hard Gourd Seeds"
Seeds Per Package:
- 2 g packet - Approximately 8 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 113 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 452 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 1,800 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 9,040 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Momordica charantia |
| Futo - Bitter Gourd Color: | Classic green |
| Futo - Bitter Gourd Flavor: | bitter |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 60 to 70 Days to maturity. |
| Days to Germination: | 7-12 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 1/2 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 8-12’ |
| Growth Habit: | Tender leaf, tendril bearing. |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining sandy or loamy nutrient rich soil, preferably 5.5-6.7ph. |
| Temperature Preference: | 75-85°F |
| Light Preference: | Full sun to partial shade. |
Other Info
| Plant Width: | 6-12 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Aphids, fruit flies, as well as downy and powdery mildew. |
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