By Seeds and Things "Mara" Chinese Bitter Gourd Melon Goya-niga-reishi, Tsuru Reisha 15 Seeds
The dark green skin of these 6-8" fruits are quite warted. Matures early and yields generously *Choose an area with well-drained, loamy soil. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep when the temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Work a fertilizer high in phosphorus into the soil before planting. *Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. The bitter melon needs lots of water to thrive. Place a 2-to-3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant once it has sprouted to retain moisture around the plant's roots and prevent weeds. Provide a trellis support and train the bitter melon vines towards it. This will keep the vines and fruit up off the ground, protecting them from pests and rotting. Fertilize with nitrogen after the plant has been in the ground for 30 days and then after 60 days as well. This will keep the vines growing strong.