Bitter Gourd Extra Long -Open Pollination Seeds

What Will You Have In Desi bitter gourd seed pack?

Desi Bitter Gourd Seed Quantity- 10

Best time for sowing desi karela seeds

Best Sowing Months (State-wise in India)

Region.                       Sowing Months

North India -              February–April, June–July

South India-              January–March, June–August

East India-                 February–April, June–August

West India-                January–March, June–July

Central India-            February–April, June–July

1. Bitter Gourd Seeds & Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd Vegetables:

Health Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.
• Helps manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.
• Boosts immune system and improves skin health.
• Supports liver detoxification and digestion.
• Aids in weight loss due to low calories and high fiber.
• Helps reduce acidity, boils, and asthma symptoms.

Culinary Uses bitter gourd 

• Used in curries, stir-fries, stuffed dishes, chips, and pickles.
• Often combined with onions, tomatoes, or jaggery to balance bitterness.
• Juice is consumed for diabetes management.

Other Names of Bitter Gourd in India & Worldwide

• Hindi: Karela

• Sanskrit: Karavella

• Tamil: Pavakkai

• Telugu: Kakarakaya

• Kannada: Hagalakayi

• Malayalam: Pavaykka

• Marathi: Karle

• Gujarati: Karela

• Bengali: Uchhe

• English: Bitter Gourd / Bitter Melon

• Scientific Name: Momordica charantia

Ideal Growing Location for karela/ Karle eedx

• Prefers warm and humid climates (25-35°C).

• Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Grows best in well-ventilated, open spaces.

Soil Conditions: 

• Soil condition required for the  having good fruits of bitter gourd should be well draining and rich in organic manure or compost. 
• You can make your own potting mix soil keeping the proportion like 40% soil 30% sand  and 30% vermi compost.
• But this vegetable can be grown in any soil having good drainage.

PH Of Soil:

• Best PH range  of soil should vary from 5.5- 6.7.

Pot size:

• As this vegetable can be grown by transplanting or dribbling method, so you can use directly  big size of 24*24* inch grow bag or pot or first you can prepare your seedling in small size pot and then you can transplant that into a big size pot or grow bags.

Temperature Requirement:

• Temperature requirement for growing bitter gourd vegetable should be be from 2O°C - 35°C 

Sunlight Requirements:

• 6-8 hours if direct sunlight is better for bitter gourd plant.

Prior to sowing:

• Before sowing the seed soak the seeds in normal water for 24 hours it will lead faster germination go bitter gourd seed.

Sowing Process:

• Now sow  the bitter gourd  seed 1inch deep into the filled potting mix soil.
• For ground sow the seeds with a spacing of 1.5-2 feet apart .
• For growing bitter gourd in pot or grow bags sow only 1-2 seeds per pot.
• Then provide a thin soil cover above the sown seeds.
• Provide water with spray bottel to fully wet the soil but be carefull don't over water soil so the the seeds may get displaced by their sowing position.
• Apply water when you feel that soil has been dried.

Watering  Method for Bitter Gourd Seed Germination:

•  Water lightly but regularly until germination of bitter gourd seed. 

Germination Time:

• Bitter gourd seed takes 8-10 days to germinate.

Transplanting Time:

• Transplant of bitter gourd should be done when plant gains the  height of 5 - 6  inches and has gain more thar 4-5 sets of leaves.

Precautions and Caring of bitter gourd:

• Make sure to provide holes in you pot or grow bag if they don't have.
• 6-8 hours sunlight is necessary.
• Watering should be done properly.
• While transplanting the plant take the surrounding soil attached with the plant, don't pull out the plant only from the soil to transplant in another pot or grow bag.
• Use organic compost or manure once in a month during growing period to maintain soil richness.

Common Queries Gardeners Ask Before Growing Bitter Gourd

• Can I grow bitter gourd in pots?

Answer:- yes it can be grown in pots

• How to reduce the bitterness of karela?

Answer: Before cooking soak the slices of bitter gourd in salt water for 20 to 30 minutes.

Marinade the slices with salt and yogurt before 1 hour of cooking.

For reducing the bitterness of bitter gourd you can add jaggery before the end of cooking.

• When should I harvest bitter gourd?
• What support system is needed for bitter gourd vines?
• What pests commonly affect karela plants?
• How often should I water bitter gourd plants?
• Can I grow bitter gourd organically?
• How long does it take to germinate?
• What is the ideal temperature for karela growth?