Bitter Gourd/Karela Seeds (5 gm) For Home Garden Easy To Gro..More

Bitter Gourd Seeds – Description

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
Common Names: Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon, Karela, Pavakkai, Kakarakaya, Karla (regional names)
Family: Cucurbitaceae

Seed Description:
Shape & Size: Oblong or oval with slightly pointed ends; medium-sized.

Color: Light tan to reddish-brown when mature and dried.

Texture: Hard outer shell with noticeable ridges or a warty surface.

Core: Contains a white or cream-colored kernel inside.

Nutritional Content (of seeds):
Bitter gourd seeds, especially when mature, contain:

Protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients like zinc and magnesium.

Charantin and polypeptide-P, which may help regulate blood sugar levels (mostly in the fruit but trace in seeds).

Bitterness: Seeds also contribute to the bitter taste, especially when mature.

Uses:
Cultivation: Primarily used for growing bitter gourd vines.

Culinary (young seeds): Soft, immature seeds are edible and commonly consumed along with the vegetable.

Medicinal (traditional): Sometimes used in powdered form or oil for digestive and metabolic health in folk medicine.

Planting Information:
Germination Time: 7–12 days (may require soaking or scarification to improve germination)

Seed Depth: 1–1.5 cm

Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soil rich in organic matter

Sunlight: Full sun

Sowing Season: Spring to early monsoon

Spacing: 1.5–2 feet between plants, with trellis support recommended

Additional Notes:
Bitter gourd seeds have a hard coat, so pre-soaking for 12–24 hours can improve germination rates.

Multiple varieties exist, such as short-fruited and long-fruited types.

Hybrid seeds offer disease resistance and uniform fruit quality.

Would you like a comparison of different bitter gourd seed varieties or a planting calendar for your region?