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 familiar with Asian cooking. Dutch bucket or large container systems with strong trellis support (the vines climb 2–3 m). EC 2.0-3.5 mS/cm. pH 5.5-6.8. Temperature: 25–35°C (strictly tropical; growth stops below 18°C and frost kills the plant). High light (DLI 20-30 mol/m2/day). Pollination requires hand-pollination indoors: transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers (which have a small immature fruit at the base) using a brush. The vine is aggressive and needs regular training and tying to the trellis. Harvest fruits when they are firm and green (before they begin to turn yellow and split, which indicates overripeness). Young green fruits have the best texture for cooking; overripe fruits become soft, mushy, and extremely bitter. Common preparations: sliced and stir-fried with egg, stuffed with ground pork, added to soups, or pickled. Each vine produces 10-20 fruits over a season. The leaves and young shoots are also edible (cooked). A rewarding crop for growers who cook Southeast Asian, Indian, or Chinese food regularly.