LONG BITTER GOURD – करेली (10 Seed)

🌿 Long Bitter Gourd (Kareli) Cultivation Guide – Desi & Organic Method
Long bitter gourd is a high-yielding vine vegetable preferred for its long, attractive fruits and good market demand. It grows very well under organic and desi farming methods.
Scientific Name: Momordica charantia

🌤️ 1. Climate Requirement
Grows best in warm and humid climate.
Ideal temperature: 25–35°C
Very sensitive to frost.
Best sowing time (India):
Summer: Feburary – April
Kharif / Rainy: June – July
Autumn (some areas): September – October
Warm weather ensures better flowering and fruit development.

🌾 2. Soil Requirement
Best soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam soil
Soil should be deep, loose, and fertile.
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Before sowing:
Mix well-decomposed cow dung compost or FYM.
Add neem cake to reduce soil pests.
❌ Avoid waterlogging.

🌱 3. Seed Sowing
✅ Pit Preparation
Dig pits of 45 × 45 × 45 cm.
Fill pits 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 per pit.
Germination time: 7–10 days
💡 Tip: Soak seeds in water for 10–12 hours before sowing for faster and uniform germination.

💧 4. Watering
Light irrigation immediately after sowing.
Water every 5–7 days.
Increase frequency during flowering and fruiting.
❌ Avoid standing water near roots.

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

✂️ 6. Vine Training & Pollination
Provide trellis / pandal / bamboo support.
Training helps fruits grow long, straight, and clean.
Encourage bees and natural pollinators.
Avoid spraying during flowering stage.

🐛 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 infected leaves and maintain cleanliness.

🥒 8. Harvesting
First harvest in 55–60 days after sowing.
Harvest fruits when long, green, and tender.
Pick every 2–3 days for continuous yield.
Over-mature fruits become yellow and bitter.