Sahaja Bitter Gourd Seeds

Experience the unique flavors of Bitter Gourd, an heirloom warm-season annual with a maturity period of 60 to 70 days. this Non-GMO variety is a robust and easily cultivated member of the cucumber family.

 

This climbing vine exhibits vigor and ease of growth, producing large yellow flowers that can be harvested as leafy shoots or mature into 7-8″ heavily textured, dark green fruits. The heat-tolerant vine can grow up to an impressive 12 feet in length. 

Rich in nutrient content, this Bitter Gourd is associated with numerous health benefits. Providing abundant potential for a fruitful harvest. Bitter Gourd preserves its authentic traits, offering both culinary versatility and a connection to the agricultural heritage of Japan and other tropical regions.

 How to Grow Bitter Gourd:

– Planting Time: Bitter Gourds prefer warmer temperatures and should be planted in late spring or early summer after the risk of frost has passed.

– Germination: Germination requires temperatures above 65 degrees F. For best results, sprout seeds indoors by soaking them in water for 24 hours. Wrap them in a wet paper towel and keep them warm (75-85 degrees F). Plant outdoors ½” deep when seeds sprout.

– Soil Preparation: Prepare fertile, well-draining soil in a sunny location after the last frost. 

– Support: Better air circulation and ease of harvest can be achieved by training vines to climb a vertical support. Bitter Gourd is a climbing vine, and providing support helps manage its growth.

– Watering and Fertilization: Keep the soil moist and fertilize when needed to support healthy plant growth.

 Harvesting – Bitter Gourd:

– This bitter melon can be harvested at 60-70 days, but it can also be harvested earlier for leafy shoots.

– It is ideal to harvest bitter melons slightly immature when the fruits are firm and before they change color.

– Harvesting regularly encourages more fruit production.

 Culinary Tips:

– Young Fruits: Delicious in soups and salads.

– Lightly Fried: The fruits are tasty when lightly fried.

– Stuffed or Stir-Fried: They can be stuffed with meat or stir-fried with fermented black beans and pork.

– Edible Leaves and Shoots: Immature leaves and shoots are also edible and delicious when quick-fried.

– Healthy Option: Recommended as a healthy food

  Bitter Gourd – Basic Information

– Bitter Gourd Color: Classic green

– Bitter Gourd Flavor: Bitter

Growing Information:

– Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days to maturity

– Days to Germination: 7-12 days

– Seeding Depth: 1/2 inches

– Row Spacing: 12-18 inches

– Plant Height: 8-12 feet

– Growth Habit: Tender leaf, tendril bearing

– Soil Preference: Well-draining sandy or loamy nutrient-rich soil, preferably 5.5-6.7 pH

– Temperature Preference: 75-85°F

– Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade