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When to plant Bitter Melon in Bollinger County, MO

For Bitter Melon in Bollinger County, the safe spring window opens around April 15 and closes around May 6. Last expected frost is April 8, first fall frost October 27, giving a 202-day growing season.

When to Plant Bitter Melon in Bollinger County, MO

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.

Bollinger County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.

At an elevation of 1,095 feet, Bollinger County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.

Bollinger County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
202 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
202 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Bollinger County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Bollinger County, MO

Bitter Melon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 – Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 – May 6
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Aug 5

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
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

202 days in Bollinger County

Growing Tips for Bollinger 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

  • Potatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Bitter Melon in Bollinger County, MO?

Bollinger County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bollinger County, MO?

Bollinger County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Bitter Melon in Bollinger County, MO?

In Bollinger County, MO, plant Bitter Melon after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bollinger County, MO for Bitter Melon?

Bollinger 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 Bollinger County's climate?

Yes — Bitter Melon grows well in Bollinger County's temperate climate. Bollinger County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Bollinger County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bollinger 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bollinger County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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