Karela, Bitter Gourd (Bitter, India Hybrid)

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
Also Known As: Karela, Bitter Melon, Pavakkai, Kakarakaya

Description:
Grow a true taste of India with this vigorous India-type hybrid bitter gourd—known as karela in Hindi. This hybrid produces glossy, dark green fruits with deep ridges and the classic strong bitterness prized in Indian home cooking. The vines are highly productive and thrive in warm weather, producing continuously through the summer. The fruits are slightly shorter and thicker than Chinese bitter melon types, with an authentic Indian flavor ideal for bharwan karela (stuffed bitter gourd), karela chips, and stir-fried sabzis.

Adapted for hot, sunny climates, this hybrid variety performs exceptionally well in Southern California gardens, especially when trained up a trellis or arch to maximize airflow and space.

Why Grow Karela

• Authentic Indian hybrid with excellent bitterness and productivity

• Continuous fruiting through warm months

• Great for traditional recipes and Ayurvedic uses

• Excellent for vertical gardening and trellised beds

Growing Information

• Plant Type: Warm-season climbing vine

• Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

• Soil: Well-drained, rich soil with compost or aged manure

• Sow Depth: ½–¾ inch deep

• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

• Germination: 8–12 days at 80–90°F

• Days to Harvest: 55–65 days from transplant

• Support: Provide a strong trellis or netting for best yield

In the Indian Kitchen

A staple in North Indian, Gujarati, Maharashtrian, and South Indian cuisines, karela is beloved for its bold, detoxifying flavor. It’s often sautéed with onions and spices, stuffed with masala, or used in Ayurvedic remedies for digestion and blood sugar balance.