Ceylon Black Bitter Gourd Seeds – Nutrient-Rich & Medicinal
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, is a highly valued vegetable crop known for its distinct bitter taste and exceptional nutritional and medicinal benefits. The immature fruits are rich in vitamin C (88 mg per 100g), minerals, and essential nutrients. Commonly used in cooking, bitter gourd can be stuffed, fried, or preserved by sun-drying for long-term use.
Health Benefits & Uses
- Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamin C, essential minerals, and fiber.
- Medicinal Properties: Traditionally used to manage diabetes, asthma, blood disorders, and rheumatism.
- Ayurvedic Benefits: Roots and stems of wild bitter gourd are commonly used in herbal medicines.
- Natural Remedy: Drinking fresh bitter gourd juice is recommended by naturopaths for its health benefits.
Cultivation & Growth
- Soil: Prefers sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, with good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5.
- Planting Season: Typically sown in July and January.
- Seed Rate: 1.8 kg per hectare.
- Sowing Method: Direct sowing is common, but nursery seedlings in polythene bags can be used for early growth and reduced transplant shock.
- Spacing: Pits of 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm should be dug at 2m x 1.5m intervals.
Irrigation & Fertilization
- Watering: Irrigate weekly after sowing; drip irrigation is recommended for efficiency.
- Fertilization:
- Apply 10 kg of farmyard manure per pit (20 t/ha).
- Basal application of NPK (6:12:12) at 100g per pit.
- Additional 10g nitrogen per pit after 30 days.
- Use Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and Pseudomonas for soil health.
- Neem cake application (100 kg/ha) enhances soil fertility.
Optimized Growth Techniques
- Drip Irrigation: Efficient water management using main and sub-main pipes, with drippers placed at 60 cm and 50 cm intervals.
- Raised Bed Planting: Raised beds of 120 cm width improve aeration and growth.
- Weed Control: Apply Pendimethalin (1 kg a.i/ha) before planting to prevent weed growth.
- Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha should be applied in split doses throughout the cropping period for optimal yield.
These Ceylon Black Bitter Gourd Seeds are ideal for home and commercial growers, offering high nutritional value, medicinal benefits, and a rich harvest. Start growing today for a healthy and productive garden!
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, is a highly valued vegetable crop known for its distinct bitter taste and exceptional nutritional and medicinal benefits. The immature fruits are rich in vitamin C (88 mg per 100g), minerals, and essential nutrients. Commonly used in cooking, bitter gourd can be stuffed, fried, or preserved by sun-drying for long-term use.
Health Benefits & Uses
- Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamin C, essential minerals, and fiber.
- Medicinal Properties: Traditionally used to manage diabetes, asthma, blood disorders, and rheumatism.
- Ayurvedic Benefits: Roots and stems of wild bitter gourd are commonly used in herbal medicines.
- Natural Remedy: Drinking fresh bitter gourd juice is recommended by naturopaths for its health benefits.
Cultivation & Growth
- Soil: Prefers sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, with good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5.
- Planting Season: Typically sown in July and January.
- Seed Rate: 1.8 kg per hectare.
- Sowing Method: Direct sowing is common, but nursery seedlings in polythene bags can be used for early growth and reduced transplant shock.
- Spacing: Pits of 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm should be dug at 2m x 1.5m intervals.
Irrigation & Fertilization
- Watering: Irrigate weekly after sowing; drip irrigation is recommended for efficiency.
- Fertilization:
- Apply 10 kg of farmyard manure per pit (20 t/ha).
- Basal application of NPK (6:12:12) at 100g per pit.
- Additional 10g nitrogen per pit after 30 days.
- Use Azospirillum, Phosphobacteria, and Pseudomonas for soil health.
- Neem cake application (100 kg/ha) enhances soil fertility.
Optimized Growth Techniques
- Drip Irrigation: Efficient water management using main and sub-main pipes, with drippers placed at 60 cm and 50 cm intervals.
- Raised Bed Planting: Raised beds of 120 cm width improve aeration and growth.
- Weed Control: Apply Pendimethalin (1 kg a.i/ha) before planting to prevent weed growth.
- Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha should be applied in split doses throughout the cropping period for optimal yield.
These Ceylon Black Bitter Gourd Seeds are ideal for home and commercial growers, offering high nutritional value, medicinal benefits, and a rich harvest. Start growing today for a healthy and productive garden!
LK, Sabaragamuwa
