When to Plant Bitter Melon in Coal County, OK
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.
Coal County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 892 feet, Coal County receives approximately 28.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Bitter Melon during the growing season.
Coal County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Coal County, OK
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 |
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 | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
219 days in Coal County
Growing Tips for Coal 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 Coal County, OK?
Coal County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coal County, OK?
Coal County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Coal County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Coal County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.