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Vegetables

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a tropical and subtropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is characterized by its distinctively wrinkled, green fruit that has a bitter taste. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible fruit, which is used in various culinary dishes and traditional medicine. Bitter melon is known for its potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and antioxidant properties.

Calculate System for Bitter Melon
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Bitter melon can be grown in various climates but thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is sensitive to frost and should be planted after the last frost date. Multiple varieties exist, including the Chinese and Indian types, which differ in size and bitterness.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Bitter melon prefers warm temperatures and should be planted in areas with full sun exposure. Protecting plants from extreme heat and cold can improve yields.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Bitter Melon Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Bitter Melon field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon, also known as bitter gourd or bitter squash, is a unique vegetable that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is renowned for its bitter taste and numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore how to grow and irrigate Bitter Melon in the most economically efficient and…

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