🌱 How to Grow Bitter Gourd (Green Long) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: करेला (Karela)

• Tamil: பாகற்காய் (Pavakkai)

• Telugu: కాకరకాయ (Kakarakaya)

• Malayalam: പാവയ്ക്ക (Pavakka)

• Kannada: ಹಾಗಲಕಾಯಿ (Hagalakayi)

• English: Bitter Gourd / Bitter Melon

• Botanical name: Momordica charantia

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season climbing vegetable

• Best sowing times:

  • Spring–Summer: Feb–Apr

  • Monsoon: Jun–Jul (ensure good drainage)

• Ideal temperature: 25°C to 35°C

• Avoid frost and cold weather

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Sandy loam or loamy, well-drained

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost, cow dung manure, neem cake, and wood ash

• Soil should be loose and rich in organic matter

3. Sow the Seeds

• Pre-soak seeds in water overnight for faster germination

• Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In garden beds: Space plants 18–24 inches apart

  • In containers: Use 14–16 inch deep pots, sow 2 seeds and thin to 1 healthy seedling

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy

• Water every 2–3 days, more often in hot weather

• Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds

5. Germination

• Seeds sprout in 7–12 days

• Transplant if started in nursery trays once 4–5 inches tall

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm, humid climates (25°C–35°C)

• Provide trellis, fence, or vertical netting for climbing support

7. Fertilization

• Feed with compost or organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks

• During flowering and fruiting, use banana peel compost or bone meal

• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen — it causes too many leaves

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, fruit flies, powdery mildew

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Remove yellow or infected leaves regularly

9. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 55–70 days

• Pick fruits when 6–10 inches long, green, and tender

• Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage more fruiting

• Do not let fruits ripen on the plant — it reduces yield

10. Regrow Tip

• Let one or two fruits fully ripen and turn yellow-orange

• Scoop seeds, wash, dry, and store in cool, dry place for next season

🍃 Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

• Rich in Vitamin C, A, and antioxidants

• Helps control blood sugar — beneficial for diabetics

• Supports liver health, digestion, and detoxification

• Boosts immunity and aids in weight management