HOW TO GROW BITTER GOURD / BITTER MELON (KARELA) IN CONTAINERS/ POTS

 

The Bitter Gourd is commonly known as Karela in India, is one of the fastest growing climbing annual.  Can be grown easily in containers if you choose the right size.

 

NUTRIENT VALUE

High in Calcium, Potassium, Fibre and Phosphorus.  Good for strengthening immune system, Liver function, helps purifying blood and also keeps your skin clean and clear.

 

SEASON/ TEMPERATURE

Bitter Gourd is a warm season crop and thrives in heat and humidity.  It requires warm temperature to grow quickly and needs 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight.

 

PROPAGATION

Soak seeds in water for approximately 24 hours for better results.  Sow seeds directly in the container to avoid disturbance to the root system while transplanting.  They will germinate in approximately 4-7 days.

 

WATERING

Water your plant regularly but do not overwater.  Keep soil moist as it develops best when soil moisture remains even.

 

CONTAINER/ POT SIZE

Minimum container size recommended is 8” H x 14” W, however best is to use 12”or larger size as I recommend, the bigger the better.  One of the benefit of large container is plant needs to be less watered.  The pot should also have several unobstructed drainage holes to help balance out the moisture level of the soil. Drainage hole allows excess water to leave the pot.

 

SOIL

It grows best in sandy loam well drained fertile soil enriched with compost and dried manure. Soil should be loosely placed in containers but not compressed.

 

FERTILIZER

Best is to use organic fertilizers in growing season. A boost of 14-14-14 fertilizer in an interval of 30 – 45 days is fine.  If your plant is giving you satisfactory results then no need to fertilize it often.

 

IT REQUIRES SUPPORT
Bitter Gourd grows as a vine.  Make a net structure above the plant using nylon rope or readymade nets can also be used.  You can also make a trellis from wooden sticks.  Make sure it should be at least 5-6 feet above from the ground or your plants level.  To avoid any direct contact of fruits with soil, mulch the ground with dried leaves and straws.

 

HARVESTING

Fruits are ready to harvest within 2 – 3 months after planting (depending upon the variety you have chosen).  Pick them fresh when they start to ripen, light green in colour, juicy but bitter.  Regular picking is recommended as matured fruits will become bitterer.  They also obstructs the growth of new fruits.  The more you pick, the more fruits your plant will produce.  You can leave 1 or 2 fruits to reach full maturity for seeds.

 

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

 

Wish you the best.