BITTER GOURD – बड़ा करेला (15 Seed)

🌿 Bitter Gourd (Karela) Cultivation Guide – Desi & Organic Method
Bitter gourd is a warm-season vine vegetable known for its medicinal value and high market demand. It grows very well under organic farming with proper care.
Scientific Name: Momordica charantia

🌤️ 1. Climate Requirement
Grows best in warm and humid climate.
Ideal temperature: 25–35°C
Sensitive to frost.
Best sowing time (India):
Summer: January – February
Kharif / Rainy: June – July
Autumn (some regions): September – October
Warm weather helps in good flowering and fruit set.

🌾 2. Soil Requirement
Best soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam soil
Soil should be loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Before sowing:
Mix well-decomposed cow dung compost or FYM.
Add neem cake to control soil pests.
❌ Avoid waterlogged soil (causes root rot).

🌱 3. Seed Sowing
✅ Pit Preparation
Dig pits of 45 × 45 × 45 cm.
Fill with soil + compost + neem cake mixture.
✅ Sowing Method
Sow 2–3 seeds per pit.
Seed depth: 2–3 cm
Spacing: 1.5–2.0 meters between pits.
After germination, retain 1–2 healthy plants.
Germination time: 7–10 days
💡 Tip: Soak seeds in water for 10–12 hours before sowing for faster germination.

💧 4. Watering
Light irrigation after sowing.
Water every 5–7 days.
More frequent watering during flowering and fruiting.
❌ Avoid overwatering and standing water.

🌿 5. Organic Fertilizer Management
Apply vermicompost or compost before sowing.
Use jeevamrit / compost tea every 15–20 days.
Avoid excess nitrogen (causes more vines, fewer fruits).

✂️ 6. Vine Training & Pollination
Provide bamboo sticks, trellis, or pandal support.
Proper training improves fruit quality and yield.
Encourage bees and pollinators.
Avoid spraying during flowering.

🐛 7. Pest & Disease Control (Organic)
Aphids & whiteflies: Neem oil spray (5 ml per litre water).
Fruit fly: Use pheromone traps or neem-based sprays.
Powdery mildew: Spray diluted buttermilk (1:10).
Remove diseased leaves and keep field clean.

🥒 8. Harvesting
First harvest in 55–60 days after sowing.
Harvest tender fruits every 2–3 days.
Regular harvesting increases yield and quality.
Do not allow fruits to over-ripen.