Gourd Seeds - Mara , Bitter Melon

Bitter Gourd Seeds - Mara A.K.a. (Asian vegetable) Oriental type bitter gourd,less bitter than the Indian varieties. open pollinated !

Oriental type bittergourd that is less bitter than the Indian varieties. A very high yielding high quality. Vigorous and disease tolerant, this open pollinated variety produces large, cylindrical, glossy green fruit that grow to 3" in diameter, 11" long, and weigh about a pound. Popular in Chinese cuisine.

• 1 oz - Approximately 195 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 780 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 3,120 Seeds

Warm season annual
Maturity: Approx. 50-55 days
Planting season: Spring/summer

Other Common Names:African cucumber, alligator pear, amargoso, ampalaya, balsam pear, bitter cucumber, karella, 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, or tsuru reishi.

How to Grow Mara Bitter Gourd

Optimize germination by pre-sprouting seeds indoors. Soak in water for one day, then wrap in a damp towel between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant outdoors once consistently warm and frost risk has passed. Bitter gourd seeds require at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Keep soil moist, use fertilizer as needed; train to climb for air circulation and easy harvest. Hand pollination needed for fruit growth. Protect fruits from sun for less bitterness and slower ripening.

Harvesting Mara Bitter Gourd

When harvesting this type, remove the bitter gourds from the plant while still firm, between 7 and 12 inches long. They will ripen rapidly on or off the plant.

Culinary Tips

Bitter melon is versatile and delicious. To prepare, cook slices by removing the seeds and pith. Enjoy in soups, stir-fries, or stuffed with pork or seafood. The young shoots and leaves can also be cooked like greens after being parboiled and rinsed.