Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is one of the most popular vegetables in Southeast Asia. Native to China or India, the fast-growing vine is grown throughout Asia and is becoming popular worldwide. Depending on location, bitter gourd is also known as bitter melon, karella, or balsam pear. The following suggested cultural practices were developed at the World Vegetable Center in the Taiwan lowlands. Growers may need to modify the practices to suit local soil, weather, pest, and disease conditions