Variety characteristics:

• W1377 Hua Lu Wang is an early to midseason Chinese bitter melon producing exceptionally large, thick-fleshed fruits on vigorous climbing vines. The broad, club-shaped gourds can reach approximately 13.8 inches long and 3.1 inches across, with exceptional fruits weighing up to 2.9 lb under favorable growing conditions.
The attractive light-green skin develops prominent, evenly spaced longitudinal ridges with a relatively smooth, glossy surface. Substantial flesh surrounds the central seed cavity, providing generous usable portions for slicing, stuffing and cooking.
Harvested while firm and green, the flesh offers a pleasantly mild bitterness accompanied by a fresh, aromatic bitter-melon flavor. The thick slices hold their shape well in stir-fries, soups, braised dishes, steamed preparations and stuffed bitter melon recipes.
Vigorous vines produce strong lateral growth and reliable fruit-setting potential throughout warm weather. Train the plants onto a sturdy trellis approximately 6 feet tall to improve airflow, encourage straighter fruits and keep the heavy gourds away from the soil. Bitter melon requires insect pollination for fruit development; hand pollination can improve fruit set where pollinator activity is limited.