Bitter Gourd/ Karela / Bitter Melon Gardening Pack of 20 Seeds

Bitter Gourd Seeds - Karela, as better known in India, bitter Gourd comes packed with nutrients that enable you to lead a healthy life. Most important of all is a phytonutrient Polypeptide-P, which is a plant insulin that lowers blood sugar levels naturally. As far as the taste is concerned, rubbing salt or soaking peeled bitter gourd in salt water prior to cooking, cuts down on the bitterness considerably. Either cut it in fine rings and cook it like other vegetables with spices or simply slit through and stuff it with your favorite spices for an interesting dish. Bitter Gourd Planting Instructions: Sow seeds in holes about a half - inch deep (1.25 cm) and spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Sow two seeds in each hole. Seeds germinate in 8 to 10 days, though it is sensitive to temperature changes. Add a rope to support the young plant. Prune away the growing tip when it reaches the top of the trellis. As a result, the plant will produce a greater number of flowers and fruit sooner. Growing Requirements:Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Pests first appear as white powdery residue primarily on the upper leaf surface. On the lower surface of the leaves, circular patches or spots appear. In severe cases, these spread, coalesce and cover both the surfaces of the leaves and spread also to the petioles, stem, etc. Some of the types attacking are fungal diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew, watermelon mosaic virus, rots, fruit flies etc. Bitter gourd grows best in organically rich, sandy or loamy soil that drains well. A well drained soil with a pH ranging between 6.5-7.5, enriched with organic matter, such as compost or dried manure. Select a warm, sunny planting location. Provide full sun to this vine; at least 6 hours of sunlight. Seeds require the temperature above 70 F (20 C) for germination. A one stop-shop for home decor and furniture, Pepperfry sells a home product every 30 seconds. Home Decor products bought on Pepperfry.com are shipped for free. So go ahead and buy with confidence.