When to Plant Bitter Melon in Pike County, PA
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.
Pike County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 357 feet, Pike County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bitter Melon to ensure they mature before fall.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Bitter Melon Planting Timeline — Pike County, PA
Bitter Melon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, PA?
Pike County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Bitter Melon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, PA?
Pike County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pike 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.