Squash Bitter Melon Green Pearl – West Coast Seeds

Cucurbita maxima

• Also known as bitter melon and balsam pear.
• Hybrid seed.
• Grow on a trellis for straight fruit.
• Matures in 65 days.
• Full Sun.

A Vietnamese-type bitter gourd, also known as balsam pear and bitter melon, Green Pearl is early to ripen its 22-30cm (9-12) shiny green, warty fruit. Scrape the white seeds and pith out and chop into bite size pieces for use in soups and stir fries. Grow on a trellis for straight fruit.

Approx. 5 Seeds

Direct sow or transplant in late spring once the soil is warm. For transplants, start seeds indoors during the first two weeks of May. Optimal soil temperature: 25-35C (77-95F). Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.

Sow seeds 2cm (1) deep. Sow 3 seeds in each spot where you want a plant to grow, and thin to the strongest plant. Space summer squash 45-60cm (18-24) apart in rows 90-120cm (36-48) apart. Give winter squash and pumpkins even more room with a minimum of 90-120cm (36-48) apart in rows 120-180cm (48-72) apart.