When should I plant Bitter Gourd in Zone 5a?

Start Bitter Gourd seeds indoors around Mar 31. Transplant outdoors after May 12. Expect first harvest around Aug 10.

What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 5a is Apr 28. The first fall frost averages Oct 8, giving a 163-day growing season.

Can I grow Bitter Gourd in Zone 5a?

Yes. Bitter Gourd needs 55 days to harvest. Zone 5a has a 163-day growing season, which is sufficient.

Growing Bitter Gourd in Zone 5a

Zone 5a has cold winters and a moderate growing season. Timing is key for Bitter Gourd in this zone. כפור אחרון: Apr 28. כפור ראשון: Oct 8.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Mar 31Oct 8

Season: Apr 28 – Oct 8 (163 ימים)

אזור5a

כפור אחרוןApr 28

כפור ראשוןOct 8

עונה163 ימים

קטיף55 ימים

שמששמש מלאה

When to Plant Bitter Gourd in Zone 5a

Start Seeds Indoors: Mar 31

Start Bitter Gourd seeds indoors around Mar 31 (4 שבועות לפני הכפור האחרון). Optimal germination temperature: 85F. Germinates in 7-14 days.

Transplant Outdoors: May 12

Transplant Bitter Gourd seedlings outdoors after May 12. Wait until soil temperature reaches 65F. Space plants at 2/מ² (15-20cm מרווח). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Aug 10

First harvest approximately Aug 10 (~90 ימים from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 8).

Bitter Gourd in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

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