{"product_id":"japanese-long-bitter-gourd-seeds-young-harvest-10-13-in-25-seeds-asian-vegetable","title":"Japanese Long Bitter Gourd Seeds – Young Harvest (10-13 in), 25 Seeds | Asian Vegetable","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJapanese Long Bitter Gourd Seeds – Young Harvest Preview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis open-pollinated variety from the Japanese Long family produces glossy green bitter gourds with a heavily warted skin that stays crisp when picked early. The climbing vine can reach up to 12 feet and prefers warm, humid conditions. Harvesting the fruit at a young stage, about 10 to 13 inches long, delivers tender flesh and a balanced flavor that pairs well with pork, beans, seafood, or a comforting soup. This listing features 25 seeds and is suitable for home gardens and small plots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWarm-season annual with a long, vigorous growth habit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaturity typically 60-70 days from sowing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFruits are green, with a textured, warted surface and crisp, tender flesh when young.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVine can climb to about 12 feet and bears yellow flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLeaves and shoots are edible, expanding culinary versatility beyond the fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOpen-pollinated variety, offering potential for seed-saving in suitable conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePractical kitchen uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStuff the young fruits with meat, seafood, or beans and bake or steam for a flavorful entree.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSlice into stir-fries, pairing nicely with pork and black beans for a quick weeknight dish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIn soups, the tender flesh adds texture and a mild bitterness that enhances aromatics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eYoung shoots and leaves provide additional greens for sautés and garnishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing tips for best results\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlant as a warm-season annual in fertile, well-drained soil, in a sunny location.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIn warm climates, sow in late spring to early summer after the last frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eImprove germination by soaking seeds for 24 hours and pre-sprouting indoors if desired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSupport a climbing vine with a trellis or stake to maximize space and airflow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRegular moisture and humidity help the vines thrive and produce steady fruit set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotes: This variety is sometimes referred to as bitter melon or karalla and is noted for its compatibility with Asian-style soups and stir-fries. The product is listed as 25 seeds under the Japanese Long brand, and it has been highlighted for its open-pollinated lineage, which can be appealing to gardeners who enjoy saving seeds for future seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy gardeners choose Japanese Long\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoy versatile, seasonally fresh produce, this open-pollinated bitter gourd offers a reliable option for warm climates. Harvesting young fruits helps preserve crisp texture and a balanced flavor, making it a flexible ingredient for stuffed dishes, sautés, and soups. While results can vary with climate and care, the variety presents a compelling opportunity for home gardeners seeking an Asian vegetable with a recognizable shape and cultural familiarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What is the planting season for Japanese Long Bitter Gourd seeds?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Plant in late spring to early summer in warm, humid areas for best germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How should I harvest and use young bitter gourds?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Harvest when 10–13 inches long for crisp, tender flesh suitable for stuffing, soups, or stir-fries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Japanese Long","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45817126944954,"sku":"B0786BQX8F","price":36.87,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/3536\/8890\/files\/japanese-long-bitter-gourd-seeds-field.jpg?v=1777539353","url":"https:\/\/gardencanada.ca\/products\/japanese-long-bitter-gourd-seeds-young-harvest-10-13-in-25-seeds-asian-vegetable","provider":"Garden Canada","version":"1.0","type":"link"}