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Momordica charantia (Bitter melon, Balsam pear)

Momordica charantia Photo/Illustration: Pam Baggett


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Momordica charantia Common Name: Bitter melon, Balsam pear Genus: Momordica
An edible member of Cucurbitaceae family, bitter melon has delicate growth and exotic-looking fruits. Its light-green, puckered foliage is divided into lacy lobes, and a silvery down covers both new shoot tips and emerging leaves, giving the young growth a silken sheen. Given a post to climb, bitter melon grows up, not out, using slim tendrils to carry the plant up to 6 to 8 feet in height.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Football-shaped, pale green, warty fruits ripen to brilliant orange. Over time, the outer flesh of the fruit splits at the base and curls upward to resemble a pagoda's roof. Dangling inside are seeds covered in lipstick-red pulp.
 Care: Sun and moderate soil in a warm location. Provide support.
 Propagation: From seed.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower; Red Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses , Trellis
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Vines

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