Bitter Gourd, F1 Hybrid - ARASTU (Summer Late Variety)

10 seeds per pack.

ARASTU is an F1 hybrid bitter gourd variety suitable for late-season sowing. It produces dark-green fruits with a deeply ridged and textured surface under suitable growing conditions.

It can be grown in rooftop gardens, kitchen gardens, grow bags, large containers and open soil. The plants require fertile, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, adequate sunlight and strong climbing support.

Growing Instructions

Sowing season:
20 June to 15 August

Sowing method:
Sow the seeds directly in the final container or growing location.

Soak the seeds in clean water for 4–5 hours or overnight before sowing. Sow two seeds approximately 1–1.5 inches deep. After germination, retain the healthier seedling and remove the weaker one carefully.

Recommended containers:
Grow one plant in any of the following:

• 12 × 12-inch grow bag

• 11 × 10-inch grow bag

• 12-inch clay pot or a similarly sized container

Make sure the container has adequate drainage holes.

Soil:
Use rich, soft and well-draining soil. A recommended mixture is:

50% Bhalu Mitti
50% organic matter, preferably vermicompost

Sunlight:
Provide approximately 6–8 hours of sunlight, preferably including morning sunlight.

During extremely hot weather, keep newly sown containers in bright shade. After germination, gradually introduce the young plant to direct sunlight.

Climbing support:
Install a strong bamboo, metal or net trellis at an early stage. Guide the vine upward and provide enough space for the fruits to hang freely.

Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the upper soil layer begins to dry.

During rainfall, make sure excess water drains quickly from the container.

Feeding:
Mix vermicompost into the soil before sowing. During active growth, apply a suitable vegetable fertilizer according to its labelled instructions.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, as it may encourage excessive leaf growth instead of balanced flowering and fruit development.

Pollination:
If natural fruit setting is limited, hand pollination may be carried out early in the morning.

Transfer pollen gently from a freshly opened male flower to the centre of a female flower. Female flowers can be identified by the small immature fruit behind the flower.

Plant care:
Maintain proper spacing and good airflow. Remove weeds and yellow or damaged leaves when required. Check the plant regularly and address any growing problems promptly.

Harvesting:
Harvest the fruits while they are young, tender, firm and dark green. Do not allow them to remain on the vine until they become overmature.

Frequent harvesting can support the continued development of new fruits.

Quick Growing Guide

• Late-season sowing

• Direct sowing

• One plant per recommended container

• Rich, soft and well-draining soil

• Strong climbing support

• Approximately 6–8 hours of sunlight

• Consistent moisture without waterlogging

Pack quantity: 10 seeds.