Name: small bitter gourd karela
Brand: Green Legacy Seeds
SKU: Clim2
Price: 12.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Source Data

Momordica charantia, or bitter cucumber, or Chinese bitter gourd, or karela.

An annual herbaceous vine, growing up to 4 m in length. Stems are pentagonal with longitudinal grooves and simple tendrils.

The leaves have a flattened kidney-shaped or rounded shape, deeply incised into 5-9 lobes, heart-shaped at the base. They are arranged alternately.

The flowers are unisexual, located one by one in the leaf axils. Petals are yellow, in the amount of 5.

The fruits are initially green, in the ripening phase they become bright yellow or orange, the surface is rough, with wrinkles and warts. The shape of the fruits is varied, they can be cylindrical, spindle-shaped, oval. Dimensions 3-15(40) × 2-5(8) cm.

The flesh of unripe fruits is pale green, dense, juicy, very bitter.

The seeds are uneven in shape (from flat ovoid to almost rectangular), bitter, 8-15 × 4-10 mm in size. They are located in a whitish spongy-dry pulp. The color of ripe seeds is red-brown.

The fruits are good sources of various minerals and vitamins, including carbohydrates and proteins. The plant contains polypeptides similar to insulin, and also stimulates the production of insulin, which makes it a valuable assistant in diabetes.

Instructions

Growing small bitter gourd karela (momordica charantia) from seed is a rewarding process. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat. Discard any floating seeds as they are likely non-viable.
Sowing: Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in well-draining seed compost. Water gently and keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place in a bright location at 18–22°C.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 2–8 weeks. Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings emerge, gradually increase ventilation.
Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 pairs of true leaves. Harden off gradually over 7–10 days before planting in final position. Space according to the mature size of the species.
Aftercare: Water regularly during the first growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune as needed to maintain shape.
Hardiness: Hardiness varies by species and growing conditions. Young plants may need protection from extreme temperatures. Acclimatize gradually to outdoor conditions.