Emma Taylor
18 July 2022
What’s better than eating organic vegetables? Eating your own homegrown organic vegetables! Let’s talk about how to grow Bitter Melon in your Perth backyard.
(Whilst most of this guide suits anywhere in Australia, check local conditions for growing months if you live outside Perth.)
There is nothing more soul soothing than planting seeds and tending your vegetables; watching them sprout and grow and then eventually cooking and consuming them.
When should you plant Bitter Melon?
The best months to plant Bitter Melon in Perth are Sep-Jan. You can plant using Seed, ideally when the soil temperature is around 10-20 degrees celcius and the air is around 15-30 degree celcius.
Seeds or Transplant? Seed
Ideal air temp: 15-30c
Ideal soil temp: 10-20c
Can Bitter Melon grow in pots?
Yes, however you will require a large, deep pot.
The great thing about planting Bitter Melon in pots is that you can move them around easily, should they need more or less sun, or are getting attacked by pests. In some cases, you can even grow Bitter Melon indoors, as long as the position can get enough sun.
How much sun should Bitter Melon get?
You will discover that Bitter Melon thrives on Full sun.
Some gardens get more shade than others, and your direction north etc varies. Try the ideal position first, and if the Bitter Melon isn’t growing well enough, maybe try a more or less sunnier spot.
Eating vegetables makes me feel good.
Joely Fisher
How often should you water Bitter Melon?
Bitter Melon really enjoys when it gets Regular watering.
They prefer soil that is Well-drained.
When can you harvest?
Being a Annual vegetable, the ideal time to harvest your Bitter Melon crop is around Jan-Mar. Play it by ear though, and just see how your plant(s) do this season.
Growing Bitter Melon in rows
If you are getting serious with your vegetable garden, you may wish to grow Bitter Melon in rows. You’ll need to allow around 40 centimetres between rows, and 40 centimetres between each seedling or seed.
Space between rows: 40 cm
Space between seedlings: 40 cm
Keep the seeds!
Did you know that you can keep Bitter Melon seeds for up to 2 years, and use them to grow more next season?
Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realized.
Allan Armitage
Enjoy delicious Bitter Melon in your Perth garden
You can save so much money by growing Bitter Melon in your own backyard.
Growing your own vegetables in your backyard or balcony to then put on your dinner table gives you a great sense of happiness and accomplishment.
All the best in growing your own! Good luck.
