Also known as African Cucumber · Alsam Pear · Balsam-Apple
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is a vigorous, vining tropical plant grown for its unique, edible, and highly nutritious fruit, widely used in Asian cuisine and tradit
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist, especially during hot weather and fruiting.
Loamy, Sandy, Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm to hot temperatures, ideally between 20-35°C. Frost will kill the plant.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season and fruiting. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather or if the plant is not actively growing to prevent root rot.
Prune to manage growth, improve air circulation, and encourage branching. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak stems. Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth.
For vining types, training the vines along a support system is crucial. Regular removal of overcrowded growth is beneficial.
Bitter melon is typically propagated by seeds sown directly into the ground or starting indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Seeds require warm soil to germinate.
Scarification or soaking seeds can improve germination rates. Cuttings are also possible but less common.
Repotting is generally not a primary concern for annual bitter melon. If grown in containers, choose a large pot (at least 20 liters) with good drainage.
Repotting would only be necessary if the plant becomes root-bound, which is unlikely within a single growing season.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Where Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) is found
Density
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7 known issues from plant disease data
Downy mildew on Bitter causes yellow angular leaf spots that turn brown, with gray-white growth below and rapid leaf blighting.
Powdery mildew on Bitter leaves white powdery patches on leaves, then foliage browns, shrivels, drops early, and fruit stays small.
Yellow mosaic disease on Bitter causes yellow patches, vein clearing, leaf distortion, puckering, and stunted growth with poor fruiting.
Fusarium wilt in Bitter begins with wilting that turns permanent, then leaves yellow, droop, and vines die as more runners collapse.
Root-knot nematode in Bitter causes swollen root galls, yellowing, fewer leaves, warm-weather wilting, and weak vines with poor fruit.
Target leaf spot on Bitter starts as angular yellow lesions that enlarge into brown spots with gray centers, then leaves get shot holes.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Momordica |
| Species | Momordica charantia |
Similar in genus Momordica
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
