Karela English Name: All you Need to know about Bittergourd

The bitter gourd (karela English name) requires some getting used to. However, this astringent but nutrient-rich gourd is a favourite in a number of ethnic Indian dishes.

Indian bitter gourds, also known as balsam pear, are a great source of potassium, which helps control blood sugar levels and aids in better digestion, iron, fibre, vitamins A and C, and vitamin C. The well-known bitter flavour of bitter gourds comes from a substance called quinine, which is present in them. 

While those who enjoy karela may enjoy the sharpness and crunch of newly harvested bitter gourds, others may prefer to significantly lessen the sharpness. Green beans, peas, pumpkins, and other summer squash are good companion plants for bitter gourds. The majority of herbs do not do well around bitter gourds.

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Bitter gourd plant: Key facts

Bitter gourd plant: Physical description

In the sweltering summer sun, the bitter gourd, also known as karela, grows similarly to cucumbers or melons on vines. Bitter gourd vines can reach lengths of up to 150–190 inches. As a result, it is advised to continue pruning the plant on a regular basis and to utilise vertical support to conserve space. 

While the bitter gourd’s fruit’s skin is warty and heavily ribbed, its leaves have large lobes. The bitter gourd’s flesh is creamy white and solid beneath the skin.

See also: What is Hibiscus and how to grow it in your home?

Bitter gourd plant: How to grow

Step 1: Plant seeds in loamy, well-draining soil that has been amended with compost or old manure, about 12 inches deep. To hasten germination, bitter gourd seeds can also be soaked overnight. Directly sow the moistened seeds in the garden, then cover them with soil. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 15 inches between each plant. Find out more about seed germination right here.

Step 2: Maintain a uniform moisture level in the soil until germination takes place. Bitter gourds are cultivated in the hot summer months, so after the seedlings are established, the soil will need constant watering. In containers, soil dries relatively more quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly check the soil with the tip of your fingertips and gently water if it feels dry. Trellising is necessary in order to grow bitter gourd vines vertically in touch.

Step 3. At the time of planting, erect a strong trellis that is at least 5 to 6 feet long. Vertical cultivation of bitter gourds also aids in maintaining the fruit’s shape.

Step 4: To improve fruiting and reduce plant sprawl, routine side shoot pruning is also crucial.

Step 5: Like the majority of cucurbits, bitter gourds are prone to pests like fruit flies, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Keep a watchful eye on your vines and cut them down by hand or with a neem oil spray if necessary. To keep pests under control, pull out any weeds around the bitter gourd plant. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects for gardens are helpful in pest management.

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Bitter gourd plant: Maintenance

If you have good, fertile soil, to begin with, caring for bitter gourd plants is simple. Bitter gourds are simple to raise in your kitchen garden or terrace garden, just like most summer vegetables. 

For bitter gourds to thrive, the environment must be extremely hot and humid. In soil that is 15 to 20°C, seeds will take 8 to 10 days to germinate. Bitter gourds take roughly 55 to 60 days to reach maturity.

Watering

For healthy fruit development, bitter gourd planting beds must be kept equally moist. When the topsoil feels dry to the touch in the mornings or nights, gently water it.

Soil

Bitter gourds require soil that is nutrient-rich, well-draining, mixed with aged compost or manure, and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. For the plant to flourish as best it can, the soil must have adequate drainage.

Fertiliser

Before sowing bitter gourd seeds, amend the soil by incorporating compost. If the soil is unfertile, some aged compost or comfrey or seaweed tea might be added as a side dressing during the growing process.

Harvest period

Within 55 to 60 days of seeding, bitter gourds will begin to bear fruit. Once bitter gourds are 4-5 inches long and have a dark green colour, you can begin harvesting them. More time than this will cause the fruits to start changing colour to pale orange and becoming unappealing. To encourage new fruiting throughout the season, snip the bitter gourd fruits every two to three days with a sharp knife.

Bitter gourd plant: Uses

• Bitter gourd is high in vitamin C, which aids in the healing of wounds and is essential for growth and development.
• Bitter gourd contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are good for our eyes and improve vision. They are also useful for treating dark circles.
• Bitter gourd lowers blood sugar control markers such as haemoglobin A1c and fructosamine.

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