Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Has anyone tried growing bitter melon? I love this veggie, apparently very good for you too if you have had success, please also post your location.

cheers.

Cant say Ive heard of it. Whats it look like

A bumpy cucumber.
I've eaten them in India in curries.
Good for Diabetes type 2
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-26/h ... ht/1083716

I've heard you need to grow it separately if you are saving seeds cause it cross breeds with other curcubits and the resulting melon has a bitter flavour.

Is definitely good for you, I might give it a go in summer.

Traditionally best in warmer weather. Have had success in Melbourne though. Can consume a fair amount of water due to the repaid growth of the melons (approx 7-10 days) from flower. Plant doesn't climbed very far...

Cool! Got any seed to swap?

Will let you know. Need to look for it in the shed.

my dad gave me a few bittergourd seedlings. Haven't done too well in AP. 1 died and the other isn't exactly thriving.
I have a third in soil which is looking the best of the 3
Maybe they are just not meant for AP

how are yours doing jimsta?

I tried seedlings in the GB and then we had a bad patch of very cold weather just after I planted them and I lost the lot, I'll try germinating and planting again now the weather is warmer.

They're a dry continent plant and don't handle the cold all that well, each plant bears separate yellow male and female flowers.

My wife is Filipino and uses them in her cooking, she also makes a tea from dried slices, but so far no luck in growing them.

this is what bitter mellon does to your system.
location the Caribbean.

awesome cookie
yes I've seen my dad's vine use an entire orange tree to climb on

first one almost ready for harvest , lot more small ones on the way . I hope I can harvest them all before the colder weather arrives

These are really "tasty" but they are an acquired taste! Used extensively in Chinese - and probably other Asian - cooking. Kinda tastes a bit like it should be good for you, but they are a wonderful accompiment to rich dishes. Never seen them on a UK market stall!

Well don't cookie yr system has got a life of its own!

Done, well done, cookie.