When to plant Bitter Melon in Hickory County, MO
Hickory County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Bitter Melon between April 17 (after last frost on April 10) and May 8.
When to Plant Bitter Melon in Hickory 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.
Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 950 feet, Hickory County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.
Hickory County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Hickory County, MO
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
195 days in Hickory County
Growing Tips for Hickory 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 Hickory County, MO?
Hickory County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hickory County, MO?
Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Hickory County, MO?
In Hickory County, MO, plant Bitter Melon after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hickory County, MO for Bitter Melon?
Hickory 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 Hickory County's climate?
Yes — Bitter Melon grows well in Hickory County's temperate climate. Hickory County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.
Your Hickory County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hickory 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.