When to plant Bitter Melon in Bradley County, AR
Plant Bitter Melon in Bradley County from March 29 to April 19 in spring. Bradley County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 22 and first frost on November 4.
When to Plant Bitter Melon in Bradley County, AR
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.
Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 614 feet, Bradley County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bitter Melon root diseases.
Bradley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Bradley County, AR
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Bradley County
Growing Tips for Bradley 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
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Bitter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Bradley County, AR?
Bradley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradley County, AR?
Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 4.
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Bradley County, AR?
In Bradley County, AR, plant Bitter Melon after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bradley County, AR for Bitter Melon?
Bradley County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Bitter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bitter Melon grow in Bradley County's climate?
Yes — Bitter Melon grows well in Bradley County's temperate climate. Bradley County averages a 227-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 4.
Your Bradley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bradley County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.