Balsam Pear (Bitter Melon)

Balsam pear, also known as bitter melon, requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It prefers full sun exposure and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Balsam pear can be cared for in a similar manner to a cucumber or gourd. The plants vine extensively and do well when given support in the form of a fence or trellis. This also helps to make mature fruit easy to spot.

After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds 1ft apart, 1/2" deep along a trellis or fence line. Germination can be improved by soaking seeds for 24 hours prior to sowing. Under ideal conditions, seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days.

In areas with short summers, balsam pear can be started indoors 4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Be careful not to disturb the roots while transplanting or use peat pots which can be placed directly in the soil.

Insect Pests

Few pests are known to affect balsam pear.

Diseases & Other Problems

Balsam pear is not commonly affected by disease. Growing plants on a trellis or fence will help improve air circulation and prevent disease.

To harvest balsam pear, wait until the fruit is fully grown, approximately 3-5 inches in length, and turns a light green color. Cut the fruit from the vine using sharp garden scissors. Balsam pear can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Bitter melon is an outbreeding plant with pollination primarily being performed by insects. It will not cross with other melons, however if more than one variety of bitter melon is grown, they should be isolated by at least one quarter mile. Alternatively, plants may be grown in cages with introduced pollinators.

HARVESTING SEED:

As bitter melons reach full maturity, the fruit will begin to turn yellow and the blossom end will open to reveal the seeds which are covered in a red gelatinous coating. Once they are fully mature, the seeds will slide out and fall on the ground. It is therefore recommended that the fruit are harvested just as they begin to change color. They can then be brough indoors and allowed to fully ripen. To harvest the seeds, open the melon and scoop out the red seeds. Place them, coat and all, on a paper plate to finish drying. After a day or so, the mature seeds can be peeled from their coatings, which will remain stuck to the plate.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Balsam pear seeds will remain viable for up to three years when stored under ideal conditions.