Bitter melon
Momordica charantia
Also known asBitter gourd · Karela · Goya · Foo gwa · Ampalaya · Pavakkai
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–13 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| flowering | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2.4 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2.6 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A specialty hydroponic crop for growers who cook Asian food. Use Dutch bucket or large containers with a strong trellis, since the vines climb 2–3 m. Hold EC around 1.8-2.8 mS/cm and pH 5.8-6.8. It is strictly tropical, wanting 22–32°C; growth stalls below about 18°C and frost kills it. Give high light, on the order of 22-30 mol/m2/day. Indoors it needs hand pollination: move pollen from male flowers to female flowers, which carry a small immature fruit at the base, with a brush. The vine is aggressive and needs regular training and tying. Pick fruit while firm and green, before it yellows and splits, which signals overripeness; young green fruit has the best texture, while overripe fruit turns soft and even more bitter. It is sliced and stir-fried with egg, stuffed with pork, added to soups, or pickled, and the young leaves and shoots are edible cooked. Expect 10 to 20 fruits per vine over a season.