Bitter Melon 'Black Pearl'

Black Pearl is a vigorous, high-yielding, early-fruiting variety that produces 8"-10" highly ridged, dark-green gourds. The gourds are flavourful with a distinct, bittersweet taste. As a bonus, the young shoots, leaves and gourds are also edible. Like most gourds, Bitter Melon has separate male and female flowers and may require hand pollination if insect activity is low. 

Harvest your bitter melon when it is about 8" long with pronounced ridges, but still tender. Once the fruit turns yellow or orange, it is overripe and will be more bitter than normal. Remove ripe gourds quickly to keep plants productive.

Bitter melon requires warm weather to grow. They do best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture. Amend heavy soils with organic matter before planting to improve your drainage.