BITTER GOURD

Propagation and planting

Seed rate

Approximately 5.0-6.0 kg of seeds are required for cultivating one hectare of land.

Planting

January-March and September-December are the ideal seasons for growing bitter gourd. For the rain fed crop, sowing can be started after the receipt of first few showers during May-June. Prepare the soil to a fine tilth by ploughing and harrowing. Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken at a spacing of 2m x 2m. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit.
The seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting for better and quicker germination. Soaking seeds in a solution of bavistin @ 0.2 % for 6 hours and drying in shade before sowing is also recommended to reduce the attack of soil born fungus.  As seedlings require ample water for quicker germination, giving a pre-sowing irrigation 3-4 days before sowing is beneficial. Sow four or five seeds in a pit at 1-2 cm depth. Deeper sowing delays germination. Irrigate with a rose can daily.  The seeds will germinate in about 4-5 days. Unhealthy plants are removed after two weeks and retain only three plants per pit.

Last updated: 09-06-2008