Bitter Gourd Seeds – Desi Karela (SUMMER)

Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia), commonly known as Karela (کریلا), is a traditional summer vegetable widely grown in Pakistan for its distinctive bitter taste and culinary uses.

Desi Karela develops vigorous climbing vines bearing green, textured fruits. It performs well in warm weather and produces a rewarding harvest when provided with sufficient sunlight, nutrition and strong climbing support.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Momordica charantia

• Common Name: Bitter Gourd / Desi Karela

• Type: Warm-season climbing vegetable

• Fruits: Green, elongated and prominently ridged

• Flavour: Characteristically bitter

• Growth: Vigorous, climbing and spreading vine

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Harvest: Approximately 55–75 days

• Special Features: Heat-loving, productive and suitable for vertical gardening

• Suitable For: Kitchen gardens, trellises and large grow bags

Recommended Grow Bags

G-24 F Grow Bag – 24 × 18 inch (35 Gallon) – Recommended for one vigorous plant with a strong trellis.

G-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch – Suitable for one plant with proper watering and feeding.

Provide a sturdy trellis, net or overhead climbing structure for healthy vine growth and easy harvesting.

Recommended Soil / Potting Mix

50% Bhalu Mitti / Garden Soil + 30% GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost + 20% Cocopeat

Use fertile, loose and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogging.

Growing Instructions from Seeds

• Method: Direct sowing preferred

• Sowing Depth: 2–3 cm

• Germination: Approximately 7–14 days

• Ideal Temperature: 25–30°C

• Plant Spacing: 45–60 cm

• Seeds per Spot: 2–3; retain the healthiest plant

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist until germination

Soaking seeds in clean water for 8–12 hours before sowing may help soften the hard seed coat.

Provide climbing support as soon as vines begin developing tendrils.

Sunlight & Watering

Sunlight: Full sun, preferably 6–8 hours or more daily.

Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply when the upper soil begins to dry and avoid waterlogging.

Growth & Harvesting

• First Harvest: Approximately 55–75 days after sowing

• Harvesting Season: Summer to early autumn

• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing vine

• Fruit Type: Green, ridged and bumpy

• Harvesting: Pick young, tender fruits regularly

Harvest before fruits turn yellow or become overripe. Frequent picking supports continued fruit production.

Feeding & Pollination

Mix GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost into the soil before sowing. Provide balanced nutrition during flowering and fruiting.

Bitter Gourd produces separate male and female flowers. Bees and other pollinators help ensure successful fruit development.

Culinary Uses

Desi Karela is widely used in Pakistani cooking, including Karela Fry, Karela Pyaz, Stuffed Karela and Karela Keema.

Its distinctive bitter taste makes it a traditional favourite in home kitchens.

Related Products

• G-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch

• GREEN GARDENS Vermicompost

• Growing Guide Videos – Gardening with Javed Iqbal