When to Plant Bitter Melon in Zone 5
In USDA zone 5a, start seeds indoors around April 7, transplant or plant outdoors May 19 to July 28, and expect your first harvest around July 28. (5a shown here — see 5a and 5b dates separately below.)
Bitter Melon planting calendar for USDA Zone 5a
Average last spring frost
May 5
Average first fall frost
October 1
Start seeds indoors
Apr 7
Transplant outdoors
May 19
Projected first harvest
Jul 28
Bitter Melon is ready to harvest in about 70 days, needing roughly 149 frost-free days in zone 5a.
Bitter Melon planting calendar for USDA Zone 5b
Average last spring frost
April 30
Average first fall frost
October 5
Start seeds indoors
Apr 2
Transplant outdoors
May 14
Projected first harvest
Jul 23
Bitter Melon is ready to harvest in about 70 days, needing roughly 158 frost-free days in zone 5b.
Not sure whether you're in 5a or 5b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
1 variety of bitter melon in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
Common problems with bitter melon
What to watch for, with identification and treatment for each
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