Growing a new bitter gourd plant at home

Bitter gourd with scientific name Momordica charantia is a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family. Though the fruits have a bitter taste, it is often considered as a delicacy and consumed in several regions. There are other interesting names for it like bitter apple, bitter melon and balsam pear. This plant was brought home a few days back and planted in a garden pot. Usually we grow bitter gourd plants from seeds. This is the first time I am growing a plant which was started elsewhere.

The bitter gourd plant was brought in a small paper cup filled with soil. It had only the two initial leaves which are seen soon after germination. But the leaves were quite large compared to the size of the plant.

Soil in a previously used garden pot was mixed with green leaves. A pit for planting the bitter gourd sapling was made with a soil scoop.

Paper cup was peeled off and the bitter gourd sapling transferred to the garden pot without disturbing its tender roots. Pot was watered well and kept in shade for the first day.

This is the video clip which was shown initially. Plant is growing well and fresh leaves with the characteristic serration can be seen. A support has been given for the vine to climb up and hopefully grow well. Shall post updates later.