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About Bitter Apple
Momordica charantia is a vigorous, tendril-bearing, frost tender, annual vine of the cucumber family that will grow rapidly to 12-20’ long in a single growing season. Start seed indoors about 4 weeks prior to last spring frost date.
Taxonomy
Momordica charantia
Momordica
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitales
Also known as
Bitter Melon, Bitter Melon, Bitter gourd, Bitter squash, Bitter apple, Karela and Balsam-pear

How to care for Bitter Apple

How often to water your Bitter Apple

every 9
Bitter Apple needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Bitter Melon in your home

a window
Bitter Apple love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Bitter Apple does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Bitter Apple in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Bitter Apple

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Bitter Apple after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Bitter Apple is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Bitter Apple prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Bitter Apple requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Bitter Apple is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Soil
Bitter Apple does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Bitter Apple is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Growth Pattern
Bitter Apple is a naturally climbing plant and can be trained to climb indoors if you provide a moss pole or trellis. The newest growth will emerge from the end of the stems.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Bitter Apple can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 2a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Bitter Apple can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Bitter Apple
Bitter Apple
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
