Gourd Seeds - Green Skin - 4 Oz ~560 Seeds - Non-GMO, Heirloom - Asian Garden Vegetable

Gourd Seeds - Green Skin. Heirloom, Non-GMO. Momordica charantia. Also known as African cucumber, alligator pear, amargoso, ampalaya, balsam pear, bitter cucumber, bitter gourd, bitter melon, daun peria katak, dau peria, foo gwa yip, fu gua, fu kwa, fwa kwa, jin li zhi, karawila, karela, kaveli, kho qua, ku gua, la kho qua, lao pu tao, maha, mara, muop dang, niga uri, palia, pare, pare pahit, paria, peria, peria katak, phakha, reishi, ssunoi, tsuru reishi. 70 days. Warm season annual. This is an excellent, open pollinated, Chinese bitter gourd that produces fruit 8-10" long and 3" in diameter. It has green skin with large smooth warts. The leaves and leafy shoots are also edible. Bitter gourd is also called bitter melon, karalla, and balsam pear. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. In warm areas, sow seeds in late spring/summer after last frost in a sunny location. For better germination, sprout seeds indoors by soaking in water for 24 hours. Wrap in wet paper towel and keep warm between 75-85°F. Plant when seeds sprout. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. Low soil temperatures may result in low or no germination. Bitter melons are excellent in soups and a tasty addition to stir-fries. Try them stuffed with pork, seafood or cooked with fermented black beans. Recommended as a healthy food by the American Diabetic Association. Approximately 140 seeds an ounce.