White bitter gourd, or Karela in India, is a rare tropical vine cultivated for its tasty vegetable. This magnificent veggie is loaded with health advantages. White bitter gourd is a vegetable that grows in temperate/tropical climates and contains iron, beta carotene, potassium, and calcium. Additionally, it is high in fibre, phosphorus, and vitamins C, B1, B2, and B3.
Benefits/uses of white bitter gourd seeds
- Vitamin C, an essential micronutrient involved in disease prevention, bone formation, and wound healing, is particularly abundant in white bitter gourd.
- It is rich in Vitamin A, which benefits skin health and other vision conditions, and has other beneficial uses, fat-soluble vitamins as well.
- It supplies folic acid, which is absolutely vital for growth and development, as well as lesser quantities of zinc and iron
- White bitter gourd is also high in antioxidants that can help protect your cells to stay healthy.
- Native communities around the world use white bitter gourd for diabetes-related problems for generations.
Specifications of white bitter gourd seeds
Common Name
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White bitter gourd
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Sunlight
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6 hours of full sun each day
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Water
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Regular water is essential
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Temperature
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75 and 80°F (24-31°C)
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Soil
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Sandy- or siltly-loam soil, but good drainage is essential.
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Fertilizer
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Slow-release organic fertilizer
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Germination
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10 to 15 days.
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Harvest Season
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55-60 days from seed sowing.
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No. of seeds |
9 |
Planting and care for white bitter gourd
Sowing white bitter gourd seeds
- White bitter gourd seeds usually have a red coating wrapped around them. The first step is to chip away some of the coatings.
- Soak the seeds in water overnight. The germination process begins with this kick so that seeds can consume large amounts of water immediately.
- Plant the seeds in the compost about 1 cm deep. In order to nurture the plant, water the pot thoroughly while avoiding a soggy or water-soaked environment which could hinder its growth
- After a few weeks, you should see the seeds begin to sprout.
Growing white bitter gourd seeds
Harvesting white bitter gourd
- White bitter gourd should be harvested 12 to 16 weeks after planting and 8 to 10 days after blossoming. Harvest when the fruits are 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long.
- The fruits would be pear-shaped and have light white skin with yellow stripes.
Precautions while growing white bitter gourd
- Bitter gourd climber necessitates the use of a trellis or a creeper net for support.
- It is recommended that the plant be grown in direct sunlight.
- This climber demands a lot of water, which is why it thrives during the monsoon season.
- All gourds require at least 100 frost-free days to develop.
- Plant gourds once the soil temperature has reached 70° to 80°F.
- Start seeds indoors 2 to 4 weeks before transplanting into the garden to get a head start on the season.
Common Problems affecting white bitter gourd plants and solutions
- The undersides of the leaves curl inward, becoming deformed and yellowish. Aphids are small, oval, and generally white in colour and can be found on the underside of leaves.
- Plants are more vulnerable to damage from powdery mildew when they are young, so you can use fungicides like Trichoderma Viride Bio Fertilizer
- or biopesticides to protect them.
- They leave behind adhesive, blackish scum excrement called honeydew, which can become scummy mold. Consider using insecticidal soap, organic neem cake or Pseudomonas Fluorescens Biofertilizer as a solution.
- Adding an organic amendment to a planting bed will help to promote good drainage. The key for long term plant survival is to ensure moist but well-drained soil. Do not over-water the plant roots.
No. of White Bitter Gourd Seeds - 7