Bitter Melon

Variety name is Futo Spindle

This seed is originally from Japan. This climbing vine produces yellow flowers that can be harvested as leafy shoots or as the mature 7-12” heavily textured, dark green fruits. This heat tolerant vine grows up to 12 feet long! It is also widely grown in Japan and popular in the Hmong community from China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. It’s rich nutrient content links it to many health benefits. Harvest green or yellow. Yellow is sweeter and less bitter. We've been selected for seed that is early maturing and grows well in a high tunnel.

 Growing Tips

Start indoors about 1/2” deep 6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant well after danger of frost and ideally when night temps don’t go lower than 50F. Sow plants 24-36” apart. Plant in full sun and need to stake or trellis plants. Fertilize with fish emulsion, compost, manure or a soluble, complete fertilizer.