When to Plant Bitter Melon in Fillmore County, NE
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.
Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bitter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Fillmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Fillmore County, NE
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Fillmore County
Growing Tips for Fillmore 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 Fillmore County, NE?
Fillmore County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fillmore County, NE?
Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 12.
Your Fillmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fillmore County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.