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This is an excellent, open pollinated, Chinese bitter gourd that produces fruit 8-10" long and 3" in diameter. It has green skin with large smooth warts. The leaves and leafy shoots are also edible. Soak seeds in water overnight before planting to increase germination. Start indoors in flats 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Transplant outside after danger of frost has passed. Or Sow seeds in spring/early summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Bitter Melons are a subtropical vegetable but can be grown in many regions if the growing season is long enough. They prefer an average daytime temperature of 75-80 degrees. Vines will require a sturdy trellis to support the fruit.