🥒 Bitter Melon, Growing Guide for SEQ
Everything you need to grow Bitter Melon in South East Queensland's subtropical climate.
When to Sow in SEQ
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Vigorous tropical climber, thrives in SEQ humidity. Harvest young (pale green) for milder flavour. Popular in Asian and Indian cooking.
Growing Requirements
Sow
September, October, November, December, January, February
Days to Harvest
70
Spacing
100 cm
Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Sowing Depth
2 cm
Height
200-400 cm
Germination Temp
24-35°C
Soil pH
5.5-7
Frost Tolerance
Frost tender
Season
Warm season (Oct-Mar)
Difficulty
Intermediate
Container
Yes (40cm+ with trellis)
Good Companions (Friends)
Kitchen Uses
- Stir-fried with eggs and black bean sauce
- Used in Filipino ampalaya dishes
- Added to soups and curries
- Sliced, salted and blanched to reduce bitterness
Health Benefits
- May support healthy blood sugar
- Contains compounds with antimicrobial properties
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Traditional medicinal vegetable
Pests & Diseases in SEQ
Common Pests
- Fruit fly
- Aphids
Common Diseases
- Powdery mildew
Storage
Fridge in a bag, up to 1 week
Value
Saves ~$3-6/week, expensive in Asian grocers; grows vigorously in SEQ heat
Track Bitter Melon in Your Garden
Drag Bitter Melon into your garden bed, get weekly reminders for watering, feeding, and harvesting.
Add Bitter Melon to My Garden →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Brisbane?
In South East Queensland, Bitter Melon can be sown in September, October, November, December, January, February. Vigorous tropical climber, thrives in SEQ humidity. Harvest young (pale green) for milder flavour. Popular in Asian and Indian cooking.
What are good companion plants for Bitter Melon?
Good companions for Bitter Melon in SEQ include Corn, Beans.