{"product_id":"gourd-bitter-melon-japanese","title":"GOURD-BITTER MELON-JAPANESE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow Japanese Bitter Melon\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBitter melon requires plenty of sunlight to grow properly.  Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePrepare the soil so your Bitter melon thrives.  Ideally well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlant the seeds 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) deep and spaced about 90-120 cm (35-47 inches) apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWater regularly to maintain consistent moisture to grow properly. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFertilise regularly as Bitter melon is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilisation to produce a healthy crop.   Apply a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProvide support as Bitter melon is a vine plant that requires support to grow properly. Install trellises or stakes to help the vines climb and stay off the ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarvest your Bitter melon when the fruits are about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long. They should be picked before the skin turns yellow and the seeds start to harden.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHeritage of Japanese Bitter Melon \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile Japanese bitter melon and Bitter melon long are different varieties of bitter melon, they both belong to the same species, Momordica charantia. Therefore, they share a similar heritage as bitter melon in general. They likely have a common origin in the Indian subcontinent and have been cultivated and adapted in different regions over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, due to regional preferences, cultivation practices, and natural selection, different local varieties and cultivars have emerged, each with its own unique characteristics. Japanese bitter melon and Bitter melon long are examples of such distinct cultivars that have been developed and maintained in specific regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSo, while they have a shared heritage as bitter melon, these specific cultivars may have slight variations in their flavor, appearance, and growth habits. The names and preferences associated with these varieties are often influenced by the regions where they are commonly grown or consumed, reflecting their specific cultural significance and culinary traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"scrollable-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/abseeds.com.au\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHOP Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020592169332,"sku":"GDBMJ","price":4.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/GOURD_BITTER_MELON_JAPANESE_1.jpg?v=1785570731","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/gourd-bitter-melon-japanese","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}