When to plant Bitter Melon in Stevens County, KS
Stevens County's climate puts the Bitter Melon spring window between April 27 and May 18. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Bitter Melon in Stevens County, KS
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.
Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,123 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Stevens County, KS
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
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Stevens County
Growing Tips for Stevens 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
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Bitter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Stevens County, KS?
Stevens 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 Stevens County, KS?
Stevens County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Stevens County, KS?
In Stevens County, KS, plant Bitter Melon after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stevens County, KS for Bitter Melon?
Stevens County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Bitter Melon grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bitter Melon grow in Stevens County's climate?
Yes — Bitter Melon grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.
Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.