Bitter gourd (bitter melon)

About the crop: This crop is annual. You plant, grow and harvest it in one main season, then plant again. You can normally start harvesting about 90–120 days after planting, depending on care and variety.

Main use: Farmers mostly grow this crop for vegetable; medicinal.

Pollination: This crop is mainly pollinated by insect. Keeping flowers healthy and having insects like bees in the field helps improve fruit set and yields.

Where it grows: Tropics; grown in East African lowlands and warm mid-altitudes It is grouped under: Vegetables.

Best climate: This crop does well in warm areas where the temperature is usually between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers places that receive around 600 to 900 millimetres of rain in a year. It can grow from near sea level up to about 1600 metres above sea level.

Soil: The crop grows best in slightly acidic to near neutral soils, with a pH of about 6 to 7. It does well in fertile, well-drained loam. Good drainage is important, so avoid waterlogged spots.

Plant spacing: Plant in rows about 150 centimetres apart, and leave about 60 centimetres between plants in the row. This gives each plant enough space for roots and canopy to spread.

Planting depth: Dig planting holes or furrows about 2 centimetres deep so the roots sit firmly in the soil but are not buried too deep.

Seed or planting material: Use around 2 kilograms of seed or planting material per hectare. Spread or plant evenly so the field has a good stand without being overcrowded.

Nursery period: If you raise seedlings in a nursery, keep them there for about 18 days before transplanting to the main field, when they are strong and healthy.