Bitter Gourd Sowing Season, Spacing, and Seed Rate Information
Bitter gourd, also known as ampalaya or karela, is a nutritious and healthy vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is known to have health benefits such as regulating blood sugar levels and boosting the immune system. If you want to grow bitter gourd in your garden or farm, here are some important information on sowing season, spacing, and seed rate.
Sowing Season
Bitter gourd is a warm-season crop that requires a long, hot growing season. It grows best in areas with a temperature range of 24-33°C (75-90°F). In general, bitter gourd can be planted outdoors as soon as all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 18°C (65°F). In tropical countries, bitter gourd can be grown all year round, but it is usually planted during the spring or summer months.
Spacing
Bitter gourd plants are vines that can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) long, so it is important to provide enough space for each plant to grow. The ideal spacing for bitter gourd is 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) between plants and 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) between rows. This will allow the plants to spread out and receive enough sunlight and air circulation.
Seed Rate
The seed rate for bitter gourd depends on the type of seed and the planting method. In general, bitter gourd seeds are sown directly in the soil, either in rows or hills. For row planting, the recommended seed rate is 50-60 grams per hectare, while for hill planting, the recommended seed rate is 250-300 grams per hectare. If you are using transplants instead of seeds, you will need 1-2 plants per hill or 2-3 plants per meter of row.
In conclusion, bitter gourd is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your own garden or farm. By planting bitter gourd seeds during the right season, providing enough spacing, and using the right seed rate, you can ensure a successful harvest of this healthy vegetable.