{"product_id":"indian-short-bitter-gourd-seeds-momordica-charantia-karela-seeds-for-home-garden","title":"Indian Short Bitter Gourd Seeds (Momordica charantia) – Karela Seeds for Home Garden","description":"\u003cp\u003eIndian Short Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), also known as karela, is a traditional Indian variety producing small, dark green, ridged fruits with the classic bitter flavour. Vigorous climbing vines grow well on a trellis in sunny home gardens, raised beds and large containers, giving repeated harvests through the warm season. The young fruits are a favourite for stir-fries, curries, stuffed dishes, soups and pickles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Climbing vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, dark green, ridged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bitter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVine length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–6 ft (120–180 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18 in (30–45 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSowing depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e ½ in (1.2 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate, consistent moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes, in large pots with a trellis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Sow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoak seeds in warm water for 8–12 hours before sowing. Sow outdoors after the last frost once the soil is warm, at least 70°F (21°C), or start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting. Plant seeds ½ inch deep and keep them warm and moist; seedlings usually appear in 1–2 weeks. Space plants 12–18 inches apart at the base of a sturdy trellis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging, and feed with compost or a balanced fertiliser every 3–4 weeks. Train the vines onto the trellis and thin out excess side shoots to improve airflow. Watch for pests such as aphids and fruit flies, and use organic controls where needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePick fruits while they are young, firm and fully green, before they begin to turn yellow; overripe fruits become very bitter and split open. Regular picking keeps the vines producing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OrganicSeedsHub","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45703546208439,"sku":"SPA-DEC8-413","price":16.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/3335\/6471\/files\/freepik__wideangle-rural-farm-of-bitter-gourd-vines-on-wire__82323.jpg?v=1767338221","url":"https:\/\/organicseedshub.com\/products\/indian-short-bitter-gourd-seeds-momordica-charantia-karela-seeds-for-home-garden","provider":"OrganicSeedsHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}