Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, is a short-day plant that thrives in high-temperature and high-light conditions. It is heat-tolerant, moisture-resistant, and not easily affected by shade. While it doesn't have strict requirements for light duration, longer exposure to light promotes better growth. The plant prefers higher soil moisture and air humidity but is not very tolerant of waterlogging. It has a wide adaptability and can be cultivated in various soils across both northern and southern regions of China. In recent years, many vegetable growers have started cultivating it in greenhouses or controlled environments to optimize growth conditions.
Choosing the right variety is crucial for achieving high yields. Varieties like the white bitter gourd and the green bitter gourd 915 developed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences are highly favored due to their superior quality, high productivity, and strong disease resistance. Before sowing, seeds should be soaked in hot water at 55°C while continuously stirring. Once the temperature drops to 30°C, they should be soaked for 12 hours. If the seeds are slightly opened, the soaking time can be reduced to 8 hours. After washing and removing the seeds, wrap them in clean gauze and place them in a thermostat set to around 30°C. Rinse them daily with lukewarm water, and sprouts should appear within 4–5 days. This process helps eliminate pathogens on the seeds and ensures healthy germination.
For open-field cultivation, seedlings are typically raised in greenhouses first. The soil should be prepared a day before sowing using a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and well-rotted manure (in a ratio of 1:1:1:0.5), along with 1 kg of diammonium phosphate per cubic meter. After sieving and mixing, the soil is piled up and covered with plastic for a few days. When ready, the soil is evenly mixed and placed into 10 cm x 10 cm pots or nursery beds. A small hole, about 1 cm deep, is made in each square. The next day, after watering the soil, a thin layer of fine soil is added, followed by the germinated seeds placed in the holes, with the sprout facing downward. The seeds are then covered with a 1.5 cm layer of fine soil. In the Beijing area, planting usually starts at the end of March or beginning of April, with seedlings being ready for transplanting after 30–35 days, following the last frost in early May. Producing healthy seedlings is essential for growing pesticide-free vegetables.
After sowing, the greenhouse must be sealed to maintain warmth. Seedlings are placed under a small shed, covered with plastic, and kept at 30–35°C during the day and 15°C at night. Once 50% of the seeds have emerged, the plastic is removed. The indoor temperature is then maintained at 20–25°C during the day and 10°C at night. Watering should be done based on dryness, following the principle of temperature control rather than strict water restriction to ensure strong growth. As the plants grow, the temperature in the shed is gradually lowered, and the plastic is removed a few days before transplanting to harden off the seedlings.
Bitter gourd is a thermophilic crop that requires sufficient base fertilizer. For every 667 square meters, apply 5,000 kg of high-quality organic fertilizer and 30 kg of ammonium phosphate. Mix thoroughly and create ridges 1.5 meters wide. After a few days, the soil is dried and shaped into 80–90 cm wide beds, 10–15 cm high. Seven days before planting, the bed is covered with mulch. Plant two rows with 60 cm spacing, making pits that are not too deep. After planting, some water is added to the pits, and the holes are sealed to prevent cold air from entering. Stakes should be installed promptly, as bitter gourd grows vigorously. A sturdy frame is needed, with spacing between stakes at 20 cm (up to 30 cm for thicker stakes). Timely staking improves the field's microclimate and helps seedlings establish quickly. Plant approximately 1,300–1,600 plants per 667 square meters, using 250–300 grams of seeds.
After transplanting, water slowly to maintain soil temperature without overwatering. A few days later, intensive cultivation begins to preserve soil warmth and promote growth. Due to its strong branching ability, select 2–3 thick vines from the lower part, tie them to the support structures, and remove the rest. During this period, watering is generally avoided. When the first fruits begin to develop, apply 10–15 kg of urea or 20–25 kg of ammonium bicarbonate per 667 square meters. Top-dressing should be done according to weather, plant growth, and soil conditions, following the principle of "seeing the sky, watching the land, and looking at the crops." Note that since bitter gourd has a strong root system, overwatering should be avoided to prevent issues such as long, slender fruits that fail to bear fruit, poor ventilation, and diseases caused by overcrowding. Harvesting typically occurs 40–50 days after transplanting, and the fruiting period requires additional nutrients.
Diseases such as leaf mold and powdery mildew may occur during the late growth stage. To manage these, spray 50% thiophanate-methyl WP diluted at 1,000 times or 10% triadimefon EC diluted at 1,500 times. For aphid control, use 20% omethoate diluted at 1,000 times. For red spider mites, apply Krypton at 1,500–2,000 times. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential for maintaining healthy crops.
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