Balsam Pear Momordica charantia

Bitter Goard is a vigorous, tendril-bearing, frost tender, annual vine of the cucumber family and a native of tropical Africa and Asia. The plant itself, is about 4 to 6 inches high, but the vine will grow rapidly to 12 to 20 feet long in a single growing season. The plant boasts round, dark green leaves and goard-like yellow flowers. The flowers give way to 4 to 8 inch warty fruit that ripen to yellow, then orange, before splitting and revealing  their seeds. The ripe fruit is attractive, but some people are put off by the odor. The genus name comes from the Latin word for bite, possibly because the seeds of these tropical climbers appear bitten. The species name is of unclear origin and meaning.

Bitter Goard is best grown in rich, organic, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Plants are generally grown like cucumbers, doing well in heat and humidity, and benefiting from the support of a trellis. Start seed indoors in peat pots that decompose in the soil about 4 weeks prior to last spring frost date. Plant seedlings outside when tomatoes are typically planted. The plants will die in fall at the time of first frost.

The plants do best when trained to grow on a trellis. But some gardeners forgo the edible fruit and allow the plant to sprawl along the ground in an ornamental display of attractive foliage, flowers and fruit.

The mature fruit and seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases. The plant is a known host for Bactrocera tau fly.