Fertilizer Management in Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is an important summer vegetable, known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite its bitter taste, it is widely cultivated. To achieve a good yield of bitter gourd, proper care and fertilizer management are essential. If the right fertilizers and nutrients are not provided, it can negatively impact production. In this article, we will discuss how to manage fertilizers effectively to achieve higher fruit and flower production in bitter gourd.

How to Get More Flowers and Fruits in Bitter Gourd

Flowering Stage

• After 40 to 50 days of transplanting bitter gourd, use 4-5 grams of NPK 12:61:00 per liter of water. During the flowering phase, apply 450 grams of boron mixed in 150 liters of water per acre. This stage-specific fertilizer provides essential nutrients that encourage flowering and improve flower quality. Boron spray promotes healthy pollen formation.
• Potassium plays a vital role during this phase of the crop. Phosphorus helps in root development, and sulfur aids in protein synthesis. To fulfill these needs, apply 5 kilograms of SOP (Potassium Sulphate) 00:00:50 + 17.5% S and Boron DOT (Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate) B-20%, taking 500 grams and applying it via irrigation per acre.

• Spraying micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and zinc helps enhance crop quality. For this, use a micronutrient mixture, such as Multiplex Prokissan medicine, at 200 grams per acre.

• Flowering Special Fertilizer is a specialized fertilizer that promotes flower growth and fruit setting, while also reducing the issue of flower and fruit drop. Mix 5 grams per liter of water and spray it on the bitter gourd field.
• Akillis GA (Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L) is used during the flowering and fruiting phase. This fertilizer supports the development of flowers and fruits. Spraying 25-30 ml per pump improves the quality of flowers and fruits, and increases yield.

Fruiting Stage

• Mix 5 grams of Nutri One Potassium Nitrate 13:00:45 per liter of water and 2-3 ml of Nutri One Boost Master per liter of water. This will increase the number of fruits in bitter gourd and improve the size of the seeds, while also maintaining their shine.
• Additionally, micronutrients should be used. Spray the appropriate Nutri Pro Grade (2,3,4,5) from Multiplex brand, depending on the suitability for your state.
• To achieve uniformly sized and shiny fruits in bitter gourd, spray 5 grams of S.O.P (Potassium Sulfate) 00:00:50+17.5% S fertilizer per liter of water.
• Additionally, mix 1 gram of Boron DOT (Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate) B-20% per liter of water and spray it on the bitter gourd field per acre. Alternatively, you can spray Flowering Special by mixing 5 grams per liter of water.
• MKP (Mono Potassium Phosphate) - 00:52:34 fertilizer helps reduce premature flower drop and fruit shedding. It is used specifically during the flowering and fruiting stages. MKP can be applied to crops via fertigation or foliar spray. For foliar spray, mix 5 grams of MKP in a liter of water and spray it. This significantly improves plant growth and yield.
• Chiron can be applied through both drip and spray methods. It ensures uniform fruit size and reduces the problem of flower and fruit shedding, even at high temperatures. Use 500 ml of Chiron per acre.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many days does it take for bitter gourd to start producing fruit?

A: Bitter gourd plants begin to bear fruit approximately 55 to 60 days after sowing the seeds. However, this timeframe depends on the variety of the crop, climate, and care provided. If the plants receive good management, the right nutrients at the right time, and sufficient water, the fruit can appear earlier. Regular harvesting should be done after the fruit starts appearing, so the plants can produce more.

Q: What should be the amount of fertilizer in bitter gourd cultivation?

A: Proper timing and amount of fertilizers are crucial for a good bitter gourd yield. Half the amount of nitrogen, along with full doses of sulphur and potash, should be applied at the time of sowing. Additionally, the remaining nitrogen should be given as top dressing 30-40 days after sowing. This provides the necessary nutrients to the plants, ensuring proper crop development. Proper fertilizer management also improves the size and quality of the fruit.

Q: In which states is bitter gourd cultivated in India?

A: Bitter gourd is grown in several states across India. The major states include Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. These states provide an ideal climate and soil for bitter gourd cultivation.

Q: How can the size of the bitter gourd be increased?

A: The best time for sowing bitter gourd is during the rainy season, so sowing should be done between May and June. If you wish to cultivate bitter gourd in winter, the period from January to February is suitable. Timely sowing and proper care can help increase the size of the bitter gourd.

Q: How much water should be given to bitter gourd plants?

A: Irrigate immediately after sowing. In summer, water the plants every 6-7 days, and during the rainy season, irrigate only as needed. A total of 8-10 irrigations are required. Avoid waterlogging during irrigation and maintain soil moisture to improve crop growth and yield.