{"product_id":"bitter-gourd-f1-hybrid-arastu-seeds","title":"Bitter Gourd F1 Hybrid – ARASTU | Summer Late Variety","description":"\u003cp\u003eARASTU is an \u003cstrong\u003eF1 hybrid bitter gourd (karela)\u003c\/strong\u003e grown as a vigorous climbing vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants produce long trailing stems that benefit from vertical training. Once established, the vines develop yellow flowers followed by green bitter gourds that should generally be harvested while still tender and immature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a summer late variety, ARASTU is suitable for warm-season production when adequate sunlight, irrigation and climbing support are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eF1 hybrid bitter gourd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous climbing growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen karela fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-season vegetable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for summer and late sowing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for vertical gardening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for kitchen and rooftop gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerforms well in large grow bags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for repeated harvesting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCulinary Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh bitter gourd can be used in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKarela masala\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuffed karela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFried karela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKarela gosht\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixed vegetable dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Pakistani recipes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir-fried vegetable preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest young fruits for better tenderness and kitchen quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGermination \u0026amp; Temperature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 days\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20°C–32°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBitter gourd seeds have a relatively hard seed coat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor improved germination, seeds may be soaked in clean water for approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8–12 hours before sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the growing medium warm and consistently moist, but never waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Grow Bags\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-11-grow-bag-11x10-inch-5-gallon\"\u003eG-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan be used for one plant where regular watering and feeding are maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-12-grow-bag-12x12-inch-6-gallon?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eG-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecommended for one vigorous vine with better root space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-24-grow-bag-24x12-inch-23-5-gallon?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eG-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA practical choice for several vines where adequate spacing and strong climbing support are provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor vigorous climbing vegetables such as bitter gourd, larger soil volume generally helps maintain more consistent moisture and nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Climbing Support\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eARASTU Bitter Gourd requires strong vertical support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable options include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrellis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant support net\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBamboo frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePergola\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong vertical strings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstall the support early so young vines can be trained before they become tangled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Soil \/ Potting Mix\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e50% \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/vermicompost?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eVermicompost\u003c\/a\u003e + 50% Bhalu Mitti (Sandy Soil)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix thoroughly before sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe growing medium should remain:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell drained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoisture-retentive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree from hard compaction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid permanently waterlogged soil, especially during monsoon cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Instructions from Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Prepare the Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoak seeds in clean room-temperature water for approximately \u003cstrong\u003e8–12 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e before sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Prepare the Growing Medium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMix \u003cstrong\u003e50% Vermicompost + 50% Bhalu Mitti\u003c\/strong\u003e thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepare a loose, fertile and freely draining growing medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Sow the Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2–3 cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace 1–2 seeds per sowing point and cover lightly with soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Water Gently\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater immediately after sowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain consistent moisture without keeping the soil soggy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Germination\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeeds generally germinate within approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5–10 days\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eunder suitable warm conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6. Light Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvide approximately \u003cstrong\u003e6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun supports vigorous vine growth, flowering and fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7. Thin the Seedlings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf multiple seedlings emerge at the same point, retain the strongest plant and remove excessive crowding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8. Plant Spacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaintain approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e45–60 cm between plants\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhere adequate growing space is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9. Install Climbing Support\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvide a trellis, net or bamboo structure early.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuide young shoots gently toward the support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBitter gourd naturally climbs using tendrils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10. Watering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater deeply when the upper soil begins to dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain relatively consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring monsoon conditions, reduce watering if the soil remains naturally wet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11. Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe recommended growing medium already contains Vermicompost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/vermicompost?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eGREEN GARDENS Vermicompost\u003c\/a\u003e may be applied lightly around established vines when required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid excessive nitrogen feeding, as it may encourage excessive vine growth with fewer flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12. Training \u0026amp; Pruning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTrain vines vertically and remove weak, damaged or overcrowded growth when necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight pruning can improve airflow and make harvesting easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e13. Flowering \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBitter gourd produces separate male and female flowers on the same plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBees and other pollinating insects usually assist fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid unnecessary insecticide spraying during active flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e14. Harvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHarvest fruits while they are \u003cstrong\u003egreen, tender and properly developed\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not wait until fruits become over-mature, yellow or begin opening unless seed saving is intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse clean scissors or pruning shears rather than pulling fruits from the vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrequent harvesting can encourage continued fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated Products\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-11-grow-bag-11x10-inch-5-gallon\"\u003eG-11 Grow Bag – 11 × 10 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-12-grow-bag-12x12-inch-6-gallon?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eG-12 Grow Bag – 12 × 12 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/green-g-24-grow-bag-24x12-inch-23-5-gallon?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eG-24 Grow Bag – 24 × 12 inch\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/vermicompost?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eGREEN GARDENS Vermicompost\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/collections\/grow-bags?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eGREEN GARDENS Grow Bags\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Green Gardens","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49270920642817,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"PKR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/6266\/6497\/files\/BitterGourd_F1HybridARASTU_GREENGARDENS_3.png?v=1781724136","url":"https:\/\/greengardens.pk\/products\/bitter-gourd-f1-hybrid-arastu-seeds","provider":"Green Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}