How to grow Bitter Gourd | Growing Bitter Gourd in container

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Bitter Gourd (Bitter melon)

Bitter gourd is also known by the name of bitter melon or karela in India. It is a very popular vegetable. Learn about How to grow Bitter Gourd, Growing Bitter Gourd in a container, Growing Bitter gourd, and Bitter melon care in this article.

These are unique vegetable fruits that are used as food or medicine. Originating in India, it was introduced in the 14th century in China. It is widely used in dishes in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The plants thrive in tropical and subtropical regions.

Although this taste is bitter, it is good for your health, especially if you are a diabetic patient. Due to this, it has become a healthy vegetable. The medicinal properties of bitter gourd juice contain very high amounts. The magnesium, potassium, vitamins, and minerals which are from ancient times are used as herbal medicine.

About Bitter Gourd

It is a vine plant and grows very easily in kitchen gardens, containers, and terraces. Bitter gourd plant requires direct sunlight and fresh air, these vegetables do not require much care. It is a very short-lived perennial tropical plant, which can grow to a height of 5 meters; hence, it needs support. Its yellow flowers (male/female), which are pollinated by insects.

Choosing the right location for planting this tropical plant is more important as it requires direct sunlight.

Classification

Scientific name momordica charantia

Common name Bitter gourd, Bitter melon

Sun required Full Sun

Soil Rich, Loamy soil, Sandy Soil

Soil pH 5.8-6.4

Temperature 18 -24 ° C

Season Throughout the year

*Before the planting gourd three main things to keep in mind.

Growing Bitter gourd (Karela)

Karela is grown in warm climates, but if too many cold conditions are left, it can be grown all year round. April to May and July to September is the best time to grow this vegetable.

Soil and location

Bitter gourd requires well-drained organic-rich, sandy, and Loamy soil. You can either use the Potting Mix. Bitter melon grows mainly in hot and humid weather. Before sown 24 hours watering the soil for better results.

The bitter gourd plant is a creeper and can be easily planted in a kitchen garden, terrace, or container. Make sure to arrange for a lattice for support. When it comes to choosing a location where direct sunlight is because of the bitter gourd-like Sun.

Growing seeds of bitter melon

You have sown directly by seeds or transplant the plant. Between 5.8 and 6.4 soil pH levels and rich soil with organic compost is good for it. Before planting the plant mix the required quantity of compost into the soil
It took 2 or 3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and the sow together.
Seeds will germinate in 2 to 3 days. Transplant seedlings with a apart of 18 to 20 inches.

Temperature

This tropical plant grows at the most appropriate temperature 18 -24 ° C. If the night temperature falls then it needs to be covered to protect from this temperature.

Watering

Bitter Gourd (bitter melon) needs regular watering according to their life cycle, which is important in terms of their development.
Due to the lack of water, the flowers will be delayed and the fruits will be reduced. Be sure to give water first, but good drainage is necessary to keep the soil dry. The fungus is developed when the soil is constantly soggy.

Bitter melon care

Prune the branches when the female flowers are growing rapidly, this will promote growth..
Regular fertilization is essential for its development. The water should be immediately after fertilizer.
Bitter gourd plants (Karela vegetable) are growing very rapidly, within 2 weeks of the support it needs. We should arrange to climb the trellis.
To improve the productivity of the plant, leaving only 4-6 lateral, cut the tip of the main runner.
If bees are pollinating, so it is good, and if you are not getting pollinators around the flowers you may have to hand pollinate in the morning.
Use slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting mix in the soil, and liquid fertilizer once a month in case the plants do not develop.

Growing Bitter gourd in a container

In the beginning, it is easy to grow in containers similar to cucumbers and squash. For this, choose the pot a little deeper, this will spread the root easily. The bitter gourd plant is about 5 meters in height, the method of applying this growth is similar to planting in the ground. As the plant begins to grow in the container, it needs support. Read must.

Bitter gourd Harvesting period

5 to 6 weeks after the flowers begin to bloom and fruit will start to come in 2 to 4 months. It takes 3 months for mature fruits. Pick fruit must every 2 to 3 days, picking fruit regularly encourages the development of new fruit plants.

*Leave the fruits to mature so that the crop is safe. When the fruit is fully ripe, it will break down automatically, and you can easily collect the seeds.

Pests and Diseases Bitter gourd

Some common pests such as meats, aphids, beetles, fruit flies, caterpillars, etc. sometimes affect it. Use of organic pesticide spray in the affected area. This pest control product is easily available in a pesticide store called a combo-neem.

Watermelon mosaic virus, powdery mildew, and other pumpkin viruses, Like, difficult diseases can occur in it. But you can control them with sulfur dust. In the case of rust, you can control it by spraying. If pests attack fruits wrapped in the newspaper when they are about a few centimeters long.

Recipe: see Stuffed bitter gourd recipe.

See also: Pointed gourd cultivation. Growing Winter Vegetables. 10 Vegetables can be Re grow again. How to make your own Kitchen gardens. Growing Winter vegetables. How to grow Adenium Plants. Growing Jasmine indoor. Pilea Peperomioides. Spine Gourd Farming Information. 9 easy growing herbs. Chinese Money plants growing tips. Herbal plants that prevent diabetes.