Bitter gourd plant is a fast growing creeper and is from the family of vines. It is also known as the nutritious gourd and bitter melon. Bitter gourd plants vary shape, size and colour. Common name(s): Bitter gourd, Bitter melon, Bitter cucumber, Karela (Hindi), Balsam pear, Balsam apple Flower colours: Yellow Bloom time: Year round Max reacahble height: Bitter melon produces vines that grow 13 to 16 feet long. Difficulty to grow:: Easy to grow Planting and care Raised the beds of 120cm width (120 cm) Seeds are sown at 2 x 1.5 m spacing. Irrigation is done in the beds. Seeds are soak in water over night before sowing for better germination. Sunlight: Partial to full sun Soil: Soil should be fertile, but well-drained, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.7 Water: Keep soil consistently moist. Like other squash or melons, bitter melon fruits develop best when soil moisture remains even. Temperature: 15 to 30°C Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer.