Tropical cucurbit climber producing warty green fruit eaten as a vegetable across South and Southeast Asia. Studied for hypoglycaemic activity.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–12 | −6.7 °C to 15.6 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 5–7 | 5 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Bitter melon doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Perennial in true tropics, grown as annual elsewhere with a long warm season
- Significant interaction with diabetes medications — additive hypoglycaemic effect
- Genuinely bitter taste; an acquired flavour
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Bitter melon against your zones