When to Plant Bitter Melon in Madison 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.
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 858 feet, Madison County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bitter Melon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Madison County, NE
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bitter Melon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bitter Melon in Madison County, NE?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, NE?
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.