{"product_id":"bitter-gourd-seeds-for-home-growing","title":"Bitter Gourd Seeds – Desi Kakarakaya Variety | Karela\/Pavakkai | High Germination for Home Gardening","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGermination Time: 8-12 days\u003cbr\u003eSunlight Requirement: 6-8 hours per day, full sun\u003cbr\u003eIdeal Climate for Sowing: Warm season crop; best sown in summer and monsoon\u003cbr\u003eVine Length: Up to 6-8 feet (requires trellis or support)\u003cbr\u003eOrganic Fertilizer Requirement: 1-2 cups of decomposed cow dung or vermicompost per plant, every 2-3 weeks\u003cbr\u003eLife Span: Annual, seasonal vine\u003cbr\u003eIdeal Growing Temperature: 24-32°C\u003cbr\u003eFirst Harvest: 55-65 days after sowing\u003cbr\u003eMaintenance Required: Moderate (needs trellis\/support as vine grows)\u003cbr\u003eIdeal Grow Bag Size: 12x12 grow bag or larger, with support structure\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications of Desi Bitter Gourd (Kakarakaya) Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis Desi variety produces classic green, ridged bitter gourds widely used in Indian households for stir-fries, stuffed preparations, and traditional remedies. As a vigorous climbing vine, it needs a trellis, fence, or pergola to grow along and support the developing fruit. Valued for its authentic taste and nutritional benefits, this variety is a staple for home gardeners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits \/ Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eClassic green variety, ideal for stir-fries and stuffed preparations\u003cbr\u003eVersatile in the kitchen — curries, pickles, and traditional dishes\u003cbr\u003eVigorous climber — good for covering trellises, fences, or pergolas\u003cbr\u003eTraditionally valued for its use in home remedies\u003cbr\u003eContinuous harvest over several weeks once vines mature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting and Care for Bitter Gourd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSowing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil. Soaking seeds overnight before sowing can improve germination.\u003cbr\u003eGrowing: Provide a trellis or vertical support early, as the vine grows quickly and needs guidance. Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Hand-pollination may help improve fruit set if pollinator activity is low.\u003cbr\u003eHarvesting: Harvest fruits while still young and firm, typically 55-65 days after sowing — overripe fruits turn yellow-orange, become soft, and lose their culinary quality, so timely picking is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrecautions While Growing Bitter Gourd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eProvide sturdy support early, as mature vines and fruit can be heavy\u003cbr\u003eAvoid waterlogging, which can lead to root and vine rot\u003cbr\u003eWatch for fruit flies and vine borers; use organic pest control methods where needed\u003cbr\u003eHarvest fruits promptly at the firm, young stage to maintain the best flavor and texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBotanical Name: \u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUses in Indian Languages:\u003cbr\u003eTelugu: కాకరకాయ (Kakarakaya)\u003cbr\u003eHindi: करेला (Karela)\u003cbr\u003eTamil: பாகற்காய் (Pavakkai)\u003cbr\u003eKannada: ಹಾಗಲಕಾಯಿ (Hagalakayi)\u003cbr\u003eMalayalam: പാവയ്ക്ക (Pavaykka)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vanashree Organics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53240007131296,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0714\/2234\/5376\/files\/Bitter_Gourd.png?v=1785681233","url":"https:\/\/www.vanashreeorganics.com\/products\/bitter-gourd-seeds-for-home-growing","provider":"Vanashree Organics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}