Bitter gourd takes about 55-60 days from sowing to reach first harvest. Harvesting is done when fruits are fully grown, but still young and tender. Seeds should not be hard at the time of harvest.

Bitter gourd fruits mature very fast and turn red. Hence, pickings should be done at an interval of 2-3 days. If fruits are allowed to ripen on vines, further bearing is adversely affected. From a good crop, 15-20 harvests are possible.

Harvesting should be done in the morning hours. The harvested fruits should be stored in shade after harvesting. Since keeping quality of fruits is less, fruits should be marketed without any delay.