


Bitter Gourd (کریلا) produces dark green, wrinkled fruits with a distinct bitter taste. It thrives in warm weather, full sunlight, and grows well in 10–12-inch pots or garden beds with well-drained soil. This fast-growing vine climbs easily on trellises and is widely used in cooking for its health benefits. Originating in South Asia, it has been cultivated for centuries for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
🪴 Growing Guide
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Sowing:
- Setup: Use a seed-starting tray or small pots with seed-starting mix.
- Sow: Place seeds on the surface, press lightly, space 1 inch apart.
- Transplant: Move seedlings to separate pots when they have 2-3 true leaves.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds.
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Fertilization:
- Seedlings: NPK 20-20-20 every 7–10 days (1 tsp per 1L water)
- Fruiting: Switch to NPK 5-15-45 when flowers appear
- Sunlight: Provide as much direct sunlight as possible for optimal growth.
- Pests: Use neem oil for pest control when pests are detected.
Additional Information:
- Other Names: Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon, Balsam Pear, کریلا, Karela.
- Care Tips ⚠️: Wear gloves and a mask while handling fertilizers or neem oil.