Bitter Gourd (Bitter melon)
Momordica charantia (Bitter gourd) is a vine plant and grows very easily on 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 plants, which can grow to a height of 5 meters; hence, they need to support. Its yellow flowers (male/female), which are pollinated by insects. Learn How to grow Bitter melon, Growing Bitter gourd in containers, Bitter gourd care in this article.
Choosing the right location for planting the Momordica charantia plant is more important as it requires direct sunlight.
Overview
Scientific name momordica charantia
Common name Bitter gourd, Bitter melon, karela
Sun required Full Sun
Soil Rich, Loamy soil, Sandy Soil
Soil pH 5.8-6.4
Temperature 18 -24 ° C
Season Throughout the year
Growing Bitter gourd in a container
Bitter gourds are easy to grow containers, initially similar to cucumbers and squash. The pot should be slightly deeper and can easily spread the root. Plant height is about 5 meters, for this growth, plant in the ground. Apply support or netting as soon as the plant grows.
How to grow Bitter melon from seeds
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 an apart of 18 to 20 inches.
Bitter gourd care
Bitter gourd is a hot season crop, the most suitable time to plant it in April to May, and July to September for this vegetable.
Soil and location
Bitter gourd require well-drained organic-rich, sandy, and Loamy soil. You can either use the Potting Mix. Bitter melon grows mainly in hot and humid weather, these plants grow well in tropical and subtropical warm and humidity. Before sown 24 hours watering the soil for better results. Choosing a location where direct sunlight, bitter melon likes bright sun.
Temperature
Momordica charantia plant grows at the most appropriate temperature 18 -24 ° C. Cover to save the plant when the night temperature is low.
Watering
Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) needs regular watering according to their life circle, which is important in terms of their development.
Due to 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.
Harvesting
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.
Support required for Momordica charantia
The bitter gourd plant is a vine, you can plant it on the roof, in containers, or in the kitchen garden. Arrange a mesh setup to support this. When it comes to choosing a location where direct sunlight because of bitter gourd-like much Sun.
Problems with Bitter gourd
Some common pests such as meats, aphids, beetles, fruit flies, and 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 case of rust, you can control it by spray. If pests attack fruits wrapped in the newspaper when they are about a few centimeters long.
Bitter Gourd Varieties
Bitter gourd is widely cultivated in India, it has many varieties. Short varieties are usually grown in the summer season and long varieties of fruits during the rainy season.
01. Pusa do mausmi
This crop is best suited for the spring, summer, and rainy season. It is certified by AICRP (VC), its fruits are long, dark green and smooth, and work stripes.
02. Pusa Vishesh
Pusa Vishesh is grown in the summer season and recommended by I.A.R.I, New Delhi. Its vine is dwarf and easy to care for. Its fruits are medium in length and thick. The upper stripes are irregularly broken and fusiform. The fruit is glossy green, it takes about 55 days to mature.
03. Vk-1-priya
VK-1-Priya’s color is white and about 35-40 cm in length. It is recommended by Vellanikkara, Kerala, that it takes about 40 days to obtain the crop. A plant produces about 50 fruits.
04. Akra Harit
Its fruit is attractive, bright green in color. The fruit is short in length, with smooth regular ribs. It is selected by IIHR, Hessarghatta and it takes about 100-110 days to get the crop.
05. Hirkani
Its fruit color is dark green tubercles. The legs are 15–20 cm in length. You can sow till the first week of June – July. It takes about 180 days to get the crop.
06. Phule Ujwala
Its fruit is also dark green in color and medium in length. Fruits are thorny. You can sow till the first week of June – July. Its approximate output is 147 q / ha and perfect for export.
07. Pride of Gujarat
Its fruit is white green and small in color. There are white dabs on the skin.
Read also:
How to grow Bitter gourd. How to grow Betel leaf plants. 09 Leaf plants for containers. 10 vegetables regrown again. Growing Cumin herbs at home. Growing and care for Soybean. Pointed gourd growing and care tips. Rosemary growing and care guide. Herbal plants that prevent Diabetes. Yucca plants care tips.
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