Published Feb 03, 2023
Also known as “Bitter Melon” and “Karela”, the vegetable is popularly known for its medicinal and nutritional value and benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C and is mineral rich.
Organically rich sandy loam soil with a good drainage system is ideal. A pH of 6.5-7.5 suits the bitter gourd plant.
It is important to irrigate the newly grown vegetable plant just after sowing. A total of 6-7 days of irrigation is needed in summer days and as needed in the rainy season.
To take control of weeds, it is necessary to hoe during the initial stages. Weeding operations should be right at the time of fertilisation.
Some of the popular varieties of vegetable bitter gourd include Punjab Karela-15, Punjab Kareli, Punjba Jhaar Karela-1, Arka Harit, Pusa Vishesh, and MDU1.
The vegetable plant is ready to harvest in about 55-60 days of cropping. Furthermore, cropping is done periodically with 2-3 days of a gap.