When to Plant Bitter Melon in Walla Walla County, WA
Bitter melon is a tropical vine producing warty, bitter fruits used in Asian and Indian cuisine. The intense bitterness is prized for its culinary and health properties.
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.
Walla Walla County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Walla Walla County, WA
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
178 days
Growing Tips for Walla Walla County
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Provide a trellis for climbing. Harvest fruits while still green and firm. Reduce bitterness by salting sliced fruit before cooking.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Bitter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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