Black Pearl Bitter Melon 15+ seeds

Description: Black Pearl Bitter Melon – Tropical Vine with Unique Onyx Skin Product Overview:Plant Name: Black Pearl Bitter MelonLatin Name: Momordica charantiaDays to Germinate: 7-14 daysDays to Harvest: 60 daysGermination Rate: 96%Growth Habit: ViningUSDA Zones: 3-11Lifespan: Annual (Perennial in Zones 9-11) Description: Black Pearl Bitter Melon is a striking variety of bitter melon, known for its dark green onyx skin and intricate ridges. These tropical vines produce 9-10 inch gourds that ripen to a yellow-orange hue, but are best harvested when they are fully grown yet still green. This unique melon is prized in many cultures for its health benefits, making it a popular superfood in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Bitter melon has a distinctly bitter taste, which works wonderfully in stir-fries, sautés, stuffings, pickling, or even juicing. It's an excellent addition to your garden if you're looking for a nutrient-packed, versatile plant. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is especially noted for its Vitamin C content and potential health benefits, such as supporting digestion and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Begin by clearing the planting area of weeds, large rocks, and debris. Till the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches, mixing in 2-3 inches of organic matter like compost, leaves, or rotted hay. Form raised beds or ridges, 4-6 inches high and 3 feet apart to improve drainage. Planting: After the last frost and when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F, plant 1-2 seeds 1 inch deep in holes spaced 4 feet apart. Once seedlings reach 3-4 inches in height, thin them to 3 plants per hill. Bitter melon vines can grow up to 16 feet long, so trellising is highly recommended. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 4 feet Between-Row Spacing: 3 feet, trellis Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants regularly to prevent wilting. In dry conditions, water at least once a week. Sandy soils may require more frequent watering than clay soils. Weeding: Keep the area free from weeds. Be careful when hoeing to avoid damaging the shallow roots. Shallow hoeing or hand pulling is best for young weeds. Fertilizing: For each 100 square feet of garden area, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer or use 2-3 tablespoons per hill for small gardens. Fertilize again when blooms first appear by applying 2 tablespoons per hill, ensuring the fertilizer does not touch the plants. Insecticides: Organic insecticides like Bt-based products and sulfur can help prevent pests. Use Sevin® for squash bugs and pyrethrin or rotenone for cucumber beetles. Always read the pesticide label carefully. Diseases: Monitor for signs of disease such as mold or spots on leaves. Use neem oil or sulfur as fungicides to manage fungal issues. Always follow product instructions. Harvesting: Harvest Black Pearl Bitter Melon when the skin is shiny, deep green, and the seeds are soft and white. The fruit should still be tender but fully grown. If you miss the ideal harvest time, the fruit will ripen further after harvest. Remove any old vines and compost or work them into the soil to prepare for the next season. Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup, 124g, boiled):Calories: 23Total Fat: 0.2g (0% Daily Value)Sodium: 7mg (0% Daily Value)Potassium: 396mg (11% Daily Value)Carbohydrates: 5g (1% Daily Value)Fiber: 2.5g (10% Daily Value)Sugar: 2.4gProtein: 1g (2% Daily Value)Vitamin A: 2%Vitamin C: 68%Calcium: 1%Iron: 2%Vitamin B6: 5%Magnesium: 5% Uses: Black Pearl Bitter Melon is an incredibly versatile vegetable, perfect for stir-fries, sautés, and pickling. It can also be stuffed, juiced, or added to soups. The bitter flavor provides a unique taste that balances well with sweet and savory dishes. Highly nutritious, it is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C.

Price: 12.5 USD

Location: US

End Time: 2024-12-15T03:38:00.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6 USD