When should I plant Bitter Gourd in Zone 9b?

Start Bitter Gourd seeds indoors around Feb 10. Transplant outdoors after Mar 24. Expect first harvest around Jun 22.

What is the last frost date for Zone 9b?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 9b is Mar 10. The first fall frost averages Nov 15, giving a 250-day growing season.

Can I grow Bitter Gourd in Zone 9b?

Yes. Bitter Gourd needs 55 days to harvest. Zone 9b has a 250-day growing season, which is sufficient.

Growing Bitter Gourd in Zone 9b

Zone 9b has warm winters and an extended growing season — excellent for heat-loving crops like Bitter Gourd. Last frost: Mar 10. First frost: Nov 15.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Feb 10Nov 15

Season: Mar 10 – Nov 15 (250 days)

Zone9b

Last FrostMar 10

First FrostNov 15

Season Length250 days

Days to Harvest55

SunFull Sun

Frost ToleranceNone

Spacing2/sqft (6-8" apart)

When to Plant Bitter Gourd in Zone 9b

Start Seeds Indoors: Feb 10

Start Bitter Gourd seeds indoors around Feb 10 (4 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 7–14 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Mar 24

Transplant Bitter Gourd seedlings outdoors after Mar 24. Wait until soil temperature reaches 65°F. Space plants at 2/sqft (6-8" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Jun 22

First harvest approximately Jun 22 (~90 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Nov 15).

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

Plan Your Bitter Gourd Garden

Track Bitter Gourd from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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