Bitter melon Momordica charantia
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is an annual vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Tropical Asia and Africa (Old World tropics). It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Bitter melon in your garden →
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Bitter melon at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–8 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: unripe fruit (cooked), young leaves and shoots (cooked) |
| Native to | Tropical Asia and Africa (Old World tropics) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇳 India, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
| Invasive in | Pacific islands (incl. Hawaii), US (Florida), Australia (Queensland, environmental weed): check local rules before planting |
Is Bitter melon toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, ripe fruit arils, raw fruit in large amounts
Seeds and red arils of ripe fruit contain toxic momordicins and vicine; fruit and extracts are unsafe in pregnancy and can cause hypoglycaemia.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bitter melon
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew spreads between cucurbits in warm, dry weather. Evidence C
Questions about Bitter melon
- How far apart should I plant Bitter melon?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Bitter melon need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bitter melon need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bitter melon?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Bitter melon flower?
- About 6–8 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Bitter melon poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Seeds and red arils of ripe fruit contain toxic momordicins and vicine; fruit and extracts are unsafe in pregnancy and can cause hypoglycaemia.
- What grows well with Bitter melon?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bitter melon. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A tender perennial grown as an annual; fruit is picked green. It can escape and naturalise in warm climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
- Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
- Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
- Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo
- Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
- Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca
- Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria