Bitter Gourd
Momordica charantia
- Days to harvest
- 55–70 days
- Sunlight
- 5–7 hours/day
- Watering
- 1–1 per day
- Plant spacing
- 60 cm
- Minimum container size
- 35cm deep × 40cm wide
- Container-friendly
- 2 plants per container
- Estimated yield
- 100 kg / 100m²
- Life span
- annual
Climate Requirements
- Ideal temperature
- 25-32 °C
- Annual rainfall
- 1500-2500 mm
- Humidity
- 60-80%
- Heat tolerance
- moderate
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
Soil & Planting
Planting method
Direct seeding or transplanting
Soil requirements
Well-drained fertile soil
Companion Plants
- Lemongrassstrong
Lemongrass border significantly reduces fruit fly trap catches adjacent to bitter gourd trellis — a key pest that punctures fruit
- Sweet Cornmoderate
Corn stalks serve as natural trellis support for bitter gourd vines; corn tassels attract pollinators that also service bitter gourd flowers
Plants to Avoid Nearby
- Cucumber
Cucurbits in close proximity share the same fruit fly population; adjacent planting concentrates fly damage and increases vine disease transmission via insect vectors
- Pumpkin
Both Cucurbitaceae; shared pest pool and risk of cross-pollination affecting fruit quality
- Zucchini
Both Cucurbitaceae; shared pest pool and cross-pollination risk
- Luffa / Smooth Gourd
Both Cucurbitaceae; shared pest pool and potential cross-pollination with petola
- Winter Melon / Ash Gourd
Both Cucurbitaceae; shared pest pool with winter melon
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests
- Aphids
- fruit flies
Safety Notes
Contains compounds that may affect blood sugar levels — consult doctor if diabetic. Observe PHI after spraying. Wash thoroughly as fruit surface traps chemical residues in ridges.
Market Demand
Moderate local demand
Regional Notes
Suitable for Malaysian urban gardens
Sources
- Vegetable Growing Guide for Malaysia — DOA Malaysia · Last reviewed: 2026-04-12
Category: Fruiting Vegetables