Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or Momordica charantia, is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines. Growing bitter gourd from seeds is simple and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps to germinate bitter gourd seeds, grow them in pots, cultivate them at home, and discuss the plant’s life span and growth stages.

How to Germinate Bitter Gourd Seeds

  1. Soak the seeds: Soak the bitter gourd seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and speed up germination.
  2. Prepare the soil: Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix, and water it thoroughly.
  3. Sow the seeds: Place one seed per cell or pot, and cover it with a thin layer of soil.
  4. Provide warmth and humidity: Cover the tray or pots with a plastic wrap to maintain humidity and place them in a warm spot (around 77°F or 25°C) to encourage germination.
  5. Monitor progress: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and expect germination within 7-10 days.

How to Grow Bitter Gourd from Seed in Pots

  1. Choose the right pot: Select a pot with at least 12 inches in diameter and depth, ensuring it has drainage holes.
  2. Prepare the pot: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter.
  3. Transplant seedlings: Once the bitter gourd seedlings have developed 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into the prepared pots.
  4. Provide support: Install a trellis or stake to support the bitter gourd vines as they grow.
  5. Water and fertilize: Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

How to Grow Bitter Gourd at Home

  1. Choose a sunny location: Bitter gourd plants require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  2. Ensure proper spacing: If you’re planting multiple bitter gourd plants, maintain a distance of 18-24 inches between them.
  3. Train the vines: Guide the vines onto the support structure as they grow.
  4. Prune the plants: Remove any dead leaves, and prune the tips of the vines to encourage lateral growth and fruit production.
  5. Harvest: Bitter gourd fruits are ready to harvest when they turn light green and are still firm to the touch.

Bitter Gourd Plant Life Span

Bitter gourd plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. The typical life span of a bitter gourd plant is 4-6 months, depending on the growing conditions.

Bitter Gourd Plant Growth Stages

  1. Germination: 7-10 days
  2. Seedling: 2-4 weeks
  3. Vegetative growth: 4-8 weeks
  4. Flowering: 8-12 weeks
  5. Fruit set and maturation: 12-16 weeks
  6. Harvest: 16-20 weeks

Bitter Gourd Seed Germination Time

Bitter gourd seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days, provided they are kept in a warm, humid environment.

How to Save Bitter Melon Seeds

  1. Choose ripe fruit: Select a fully mature and ripe bitter melon for harvesting seeds.
  2. Extract the seeds: Cut the bitter melon open and scoop out the seeds along with the surrounding pulp.
  3. Clean the seeds: Place the seeds and pulp in a bowl, add water, and mix gently. The viable seeds will sink to the bottom. Pour off the pulp and water, and repeat until the seeds are clean.
  4. Dry the seeds: Spread the seeds on a paper towel or tray in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Allow them to dry for 1-2 weeks, turning occasionally to ensure even drying.
  5. Store the seeds: Place the dried seeds in a paper envelope or airtight container, and label it with the date and variety. Store the container in a cool, dry, and dark place until you’re ready to plant them.

Bitter Gourd Seeds Information

Bitter gourd seeds are flat, oblong, and brownish-white. They are enclosed within the fruit’s pulp and are usually easy to extract. These seeds have a relatively short storage life, with optimal viability lasting up to 3-4 years. When planting, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality seeds to ensure successful germination and healthy plants.

In conclusion, growing bitter gourd from seeds is a rewarding process, and with the proper care and attention, you can successfully cultivate these unique and nutritious plants at home. By following our comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown bitter gourd in no time.

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