Bitter Gourd White Long Seeds For Home Garden (Karela / करेला)

Buy Bitter Gourd Seeds White Online

Bitter gourd, commonly known as Karela or Momordica charantia, is a nutritious vegetable celebrated for its medicinal properties and health benefits. This variety boasts higher yields and accelerated growth. Ideal for home gardening, white long bitter gourd thrives in hot climates and is perfect for pots, containers, and small spaces. This variety features long, white fruits that can grow up to 30 cm, offering a unique addition to your garden.

Growing Instructions

Sowing Season:
Bitter gourd thrives in warm weather, making it suitable for summer or year-round growth in tropical climates. Plant from February to October for optimal results. While it can germinate in all seasons, summer provides the best conditions for growth.

Soil Requirements:
Use a well-drained soil mix consisting of 40% red soil, 40% vermicompost, and 20% coco peat. Incorporate neem cake to enhance soil fertility and resist pests. Loamy, nutrient-rich soil will yield the best results.

Sowing Process:

• • Container Size: Use a 12×12 or 15×15-inch grow bag or pot, ensuring the container is deep enough for root growth.
  • Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1.5-2 cm deep, spaced 12-14 cm apart.
  • Watering: Maintain moist soil but avoid overwatering. Water every 2-3 days during summer, adjusting for rainy or cooler seasons.

Plant Care Tips For Bitter Gourd Seeds

Sunlight:
Bitter gourd requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth. Position the plant in a well-lit area for optimal performance.

Watering Schedule:
Water 2-3 times a week during hot months, and reduce frequency in winter or monsoons. Prevent waterlogging to avoid root decay.

Fertilization:
Apply organic fertilizers like cow manure, vermicompost, or neem cake monthly. Use liquid fertilizers during flowering to enhance fruit production.

Pest Control:
Common pests include whiteflies, aphids, and powdery mildew. Regularly spray neem oil to prevent infestations.

Supporting the Plant
As a climber, bitter gourd requires vertical support for optimal growth. Install a sturdy trellis or creeper net once the plant reaches 5-8 cm. This will facilitate vertical growth, improve airflow, and enhance fruiting.

Harvesting and Pruning

• First Harvest:
  Bitter gourd fruits are ready to harvest 55-80 days after sowing. White fruits measuring 15-20 cm can be picked.
• Regular Harvesting:
  Harvest fruits every 2-3 days to encourage continuous fruiting. Pick when the fruit is firm and white.
• Pruning:
  Remove weak, old, or non-productive vines to promote healthier growth and higher yields.

Additional Growing Tips for Bitter Gourd SEEDS

• Pollination:
  Bees naturally cross-pollinate bitter gourd. If natural pollinators are scarce, use a soft brush for hand-pollination.
• Indoor vs Outdoor Growing:
  While bitter gourd can be started indoors, it grows best outdoors in sunlight for healthy development.
• Potting Mix:
  A balanced potting mix containing coco peat and organic compost enhances soil health and nutrient availability.

Common Questions

• Why are my bitter gourd fruits turning yellow?
  Yellowing can result from the bitter gourd mosaic virus or over-ripening. Harvest fruits while they’re still green for optimal taste.
• How can I improve fruit yield?
  Regularly prune non-fruiting vines, provide ample sunlight, and ensure consistent watering to boost yield.
• Does bitter gourd need a lot of water?
  Bitter gourd is a low water consumer. Keep the soil moist but avoid saturation.

Companion Plants:
Grow bitter gourd alongside beans, peas, or corn to promote mutual benefits in growth and pest control. Visit our Facebook Page