Momordica charantia 'Ganjyu'
Overview
Uses: Edible vegetable gardens, trellised planters, and traditional medicinal gardens.
Benefits: A high-yielding, early-fruiting bitter melon variety prized for its long, ridged green fruits with a distinct, mildly bitter flavor. Excellent for warm climates and vertical gardening. Used worldwide for culinary and health benefits.
USDA Hardiness Zones: Annual (tender in all zones)
Life Cycle: Warm-season annual vine
Sun: Full Sun
Mature Height: 6' – 10' (vining)
Mature Width: 24" – 36"
Bloom Season: Summer
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Momordica charantia ‘Ganjyu’ is a vigorous, climbing vine that produces long, warty green fruits known for their unique flavor and nutritional value. Commonly used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines, bitter melon is celebrated for its distinct taste and potential health-promoting compounds.
This warm-weather vegetable thrives on trellises and fences, rewarding growers with abundant fruit over a long summer season. Its yellow blossoms attract pollinators, while the crisp, tender fruits can be harvested young for a milder flavor or mature for traditional cooking and teas.
Care
Ganjyu Bitter Melon Care
Plant after the last frost in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sun and heat. Bitter melon prefers warm, humid conditions and grows best on sturdy trellises or fencing for vertical support.
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid letting the soil dry completely between waterings.
Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or slow release fertilizer to promote vigorous vine and fruit development.
Harvest fruits while still bright green and firm — overripe fruits turn yellow-orange and become more bitter.
Size
Size of Ganjyu Bitter Melon for Sale Online
Our Momordica charantia 'Ganjyu' plants are greenhouse-grown and shipped healthy and well-rooted in their nursery pots. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its container. For sizing questions, please contact us.
Size of Ganjyu Bitter Melon When Fully Grown
‘Ganjyu’ Bitter Melon typically grows 6'–10' long when supported on a trellis and spreads 2'–3' wide, producing slender, ribbed green fruits 6"–9" in length.
Additional Information
Other Common Names
Bitter Melon is also known as Bitter Gourd, Balsam Pear, Karela (Hindi), Nigauri (Japanese), and Ampalaya (Filipino). It is sometimes referred to as "Bitter Cucumber" in traditional Asian markets.
What does Bitter Melon taste like?
Bitter melon has a sharp, earthy bitterness balanced by a fresh vegetal flavor. Younger fruits are milder and tender for cooking.
How do you cook Bitter Melon?
Commonly sautéed, stir-fried, or stuffed, it’s also used in soups, curries, and teas. Salting slices before cooking can reduce bitterness.
Does Bitter Melon need a trellis?
Yes — it’s a vigorous vine that climbs readily. Trellising improves air circulation, fruit quality, and harvesting ease.
Can Bitter Melon be grown in containers?
Yes — choose a large pot (at least 5 gallons) with a strong trellis or stake and full sun exposure.
When should I harvest Ganjyu Bitter Melon?
Harvest 12–16 weeks after planting, when fruits are green and firm. Younger fruits are less bitter and ideal for most dishes.
